Precinct 1 official hits ground running
As Sesame Street’s Big Bird so famously put it: “One of these things is not like the others.”
A glance at the Williamson County Commissioners Court dais reveals the recently elected Terry Cook is not just the court’s lone Democrat; she’s the only elected Democrat anywhere in county office.
Cook took the oath of office Jan. 1, replacing Republican Lisa Birkman, who stepped down after 12 years on the court. Much as with her campaign — where she upset better-known rivals in the primary and general elections — Cook has hit the ground running, saying she routinely puts in workdays of 12 hours or more.
“I love my job,” she said. “I’m working nonstop. I’m working seven days a week and into the evening ... big learning curve.”
The Precinct 1 area Cook represents takes in about two-thirds of Round Rock, Brushy Creek, the Fern Bluff municipal utility districts, and the Pond Springs and Jollyville areas.
With one month on the job, Cook said she is educating herself about the county departments, with their 1,700 employees and an annual county budget set at $267 million.
“I sat through the budget process as a civilian last year,” she said. “I’m now working my way through the different departments to see what they are up against.”
Additionally, Cook said she is reaching out to constituents and encouraging them to reach out to her.
“Last night I had a meeting with a homeowners association,” she said. “It was a meeting at a board member’s house. I’m the new kid on the block. I listened.”
Williamson County’s relationships with other governmental entities — be it through the emergency communications system or the health district — are also a priority.
For example, Cook said she wants to engage the city of Round Rock to address traffic concerns she has about RM 620, in the general area of Fern Bluff Elementary on Park Valley Drive, and nearby streets.
She said speed limits in the area range from 30 to 45 mph and include 35 mph on Fern Bluff Boulevard, 40 mph on Wyoming Springs Drive and then 30 mph on Creek Bend when entering Round Rock city limits.
“It’s the equivalent of three city blocks,” she said. “It’s a big drop in speed. Is it appropriate? It’s a city decision. All we (at the county) have is the bully pulpit. And maybe an ear.”
Cook said she also had a walking tour planned in the Forest North subdivision to learn more about wetlands and flooding issues. She could again be dealing with multiple parties including landowners, the county’s road and bridge department and Austin city government.
Cook said the biggest surprise during her first four weeks in office has been how warmly she has been received by her elected colleagues and county employees.
“This county does a lot of good things,” she said.
Cook said she’s not afraid to ask questions during the weekly Commissioners Court meetings, saying she can help educate both herself and the general public.
“There’s things I want the public to hear, for background or clarification,” she said. “If I’m expected to vote yea or nay, I’m expected to have done my homework.”