OUR TOWN
Rail, TxDOT among topics during visit to Capitol
MAYOR PHILLIP SPENRATH

Linda Cerny, an exceptional 11th grade Social Studies student, and I were invited to our state capitol as part of an awards recognition ceremony where Linda was honored for winning a state-wide history contest.

During our time in Austin we visited with our governor and state legislators, and had the privilege of touring our state capitol.

Our day began with a visit to Commissioner Ted Houghton's office at the Texas Department of Transportation. Commissioner Houghton and his staff have been instrumental in working with El Campo's local leaders in an effort to create an attractive alternative for the Kansas City Southern Railroad to be rerouted around our great city.

In conjunction with previous meetings between TxDOT and KCSR representatives, your local city leaders and I still remain optimistic that the KCSR rail will not return to Evans Park. While it is true that KCSR has started re-building many of their area rail bridges, all interested parties are continuing to pursue a set timeline that would allow for a bypass and thus protect the integrity and future of El Campo's economic development and downtown businesses.

Concerning TxDOT's proposed plans for the Trans-Texas Corridor, I relayed our constituents' displeasure and opposition to the state's taking of the much valued farms and historical lands to our north. After sharing stories and remarks from local town hall meetings, I strongly believe that Commissioner Houghton and TxDOT representatives clearly acknowledge that El Campo residents are strongly in opposition to the TTC environmental impact study.

After dining in the lower level cafeteria of the state capitol building, we were given a guided tour of our state's legislative houses and congressional offices. The tour was concluded with a brief visit and photo opportunity with Gov. Rick Perry.

Due to time constraints and the diversity of our student group, we were limited to a brief discussion with Gov. Perry concerning some of the historical contributions that El Campo, and some of our distinguished citizens, have made in helping to define Texas' infamous heritage.

Before leaving the state capitol building, we were afforded the opportunity of stopping by Sen. Glenn Hegar's office where we gave an update on the progress of El Campo's transportation needs and new Middle School.

There was also an open exchange of information related to the El Campo rail bypass and the ongoing TTC hearings and town hall meetings.

Sen. Hegar echoed our concerns about the TTC's preferred footprint placement to the north of our city.

Being a descendent of multiple rice farming generations, Sen. Hegar definitely understands the significance and value of protecting our agricultural heritage and securing one of our areas primary sources for generating family income.

As our day concluded, we made a brief visit by Rep. John Zerwas' office to provide his staff with a similar update on the undertakings and events developing in and around El Campo. Dr. Zerwas' staff was very helpful and responsive to all of the information relayed during our conversation.

As a member of your City Council, I have been working hard to initiate and maintain personal contacts with each of our local, state and federal officials. It is imperative that El Campo continues to be heard and remains represented at all levels of government.

My number one objective will always be to provide timely and accurate information concerning any and all issue that come before your City Council.

- Send questions or comments to askthemayor@sbcglobal.net.