Travis County Commissioners Court
January 25, 2005
Citizens Communication
That brings us to citizens communication, to give residents an opportunity to address the Commissioners court on any matter not on the agenda. And citizen number 1 is our own Margaret j. Gomez.
>> thank you, judge. I think that I wanted to simply not take too much time, but maybe make some suggestions that will make our combined charities campaign a lot better next year. I with a little bit more understanding, sensitivity, thoroughness on what people give, that the campaign will be much more successful. I identify with -- with people who are county employees who are maybe single heads of household. Home openers or voluntary taxpayers, homeowners, supporters of many causes in this county and country as county employees. I have always paid my taxes on time and know that my taxes help provide a safety net for people who need a hand now and then. I know that as a county employee I work for all of the taxpayers. It is my job to get to know them, to understand how Travis County with partner with them to make their lives better. Now I believe that philanthropy is a very important value. I was taught that must be inspired not required. I was also taught that we must exercise personal responsibility, teation care of our family -- taking care of our families first. For those county employees who didn't get a raise for two years, I believe that they are taking care of their families first and we should applaud them. This morning we have a bake sale for a member of our own county family. Who needs at least $3,000 through the month of March to cover the costs for her double mastectomy. Her short-term insurance kicked in but not her long-term insurance. Social security has approved her and yet the payments are not coming up to help her with her health issue. The other thing that I wanted to address was the list that was drawn up listing county departments that did not give the way the county expected them to give. It gave the impression that those departments do not give. And just by making a short call to some of the departments, I think they do some of the things that I do. They give to agencies that are both in and out of the combined charities family so that 100% of their contributions make a difference in people's lives. The impression that the departments on the list do not give according to the way the county wants them to give, does not take into consideration the many social, economic, political and spiritual causes that are alive in this city and county. Lists of these sort of reminiscent of the 1950s, that's unacceptable to me. I think we need to extend the right to think and act for one's self to everyone in Travis County, including county employees. While we're at it, let's throw in some respect. Remember that we're all human beings, trying to do the best we can afford to do. Thank you.
>> now, anybody else for citizens communication? To address the court on any matter not on the agenda.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
Last Modified:
Tuesday, January 26, 2005 8:31 AM