Recognizing the Retirement of Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, today I express appreciation not only for myself but on behalf of so many of our neighbors for the valued service of Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who is retiring after serving Precinct 3 honorably for 14 years.

Long before Commissioner Daugherty became an elected official, from the Pleasant Valley Sportsplex to Jack Allen's Kitchen, he made significant contributions to our entertainment and our waistlines as a business leader. We don't always agree. After all, Commissioner Daugherty is a Republican, but I salute him for his integrity and true commitment to public service. And he did get off to a good start long ago giving up the Boston Red Sox to become a fellow Longhorn. Especially during these divisive political times, when we need more bridges, not walls, public servants such as Commissioner Daugherty deserve our gratitude for attempting to bridge the political divide by seeking bipartisan solutions.

Commissioner Daugherty's thoughtful and respectful demeanor, with an eye to detail, benefitted the Travis County Commissioner's Court and Travis County taxpayers. He is respected as an advocate for our veterans and an active supporter of the Travis County Veterans Service office in its commitment to military veterans. service-members, and their families. Importantly, this year he early recognized the threat of this COVID-19 pandemic and offered strong leadership in protecting lives and livelihoods.

Many of us remember his last campaign in 2016 or at least we remember his wife, Charlyn. His ad, which went viral internationally, employed a humorous touch featuring Charlyn and friends listening to him endlessly talking about the obscure details of county policies, with Charlyn wondering what she would do with him were he not reelected and devoting himself to the County. At a time when negativity filled the airwaves. his message was a breath of much needed levity as well as depth. I trust that in addition to time with his great family, Commissioner Daugherty will find a hobby in his retirement, but I also know that he will remain engaged in the affairs of our community.

Commissioner Daugherty leaves office with the esteem of colleagues and departments with whom he worked. I thank him for his service to our community and I wish him well in all his future endeavors.

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