Race to Watch: Travis County Commissioner Precinct 3

KXAN.COM

Josh Hinkle

Updated: Nov 5, 2012 8:57 PM

Democrat Karen Huber, Travis County Precinct 3 candidate

Western Travis County will have a touch of déjà vu this Election Day when it comes to picking its commissioner. Democratic incumbent Karen Huber is up against Republican Gerald Daugherty – the same man she unseated four years ago.

Republican Gerald Daugherty, Travis County Precinct 3 candidate

Precinct 3 is Travis County’s lone GOP-leaning precinct, and – like most areas of the county – growth and traffic concerns rise to the top of issues. Daugherty wants to build Texas 45 Southwest, which has become the biggest political item of this race. The proposed stretch is a long-discussed toll road to connect the southern end of MoPac Boulevard to Hays County and bypass traffic on the heavily congested Brodie Lane.

Huber has said this is her opponent’s only real issue and that the highway should not be built immediately – instead suggesting more studies of its effectiveness. Daugherty has suggested Huber is the main reason for the road’s delay.

Daugherty has said local support is the first step to construction, though the winner would have just one vote among 19 on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board. The road would still have to become part of the group’s 25-year plan before it becomes a reality.

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