Schwertner Sworn In

State Representative Dr. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) and State Representative Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) were sworn in to office on Tuesday along with 148 of their colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives.   Tuesday was the first day of the 82nd Texas legislative session, which meets only every other year in the odd numbered years.   Thirty-eight of the one hundred fifty members of the Texas House are freshman, including Dr. Schwertner and Mr. Gonzales. Given the large number of members being sworn in for the first time, the House was full of family members, well wishers, constitiuents, lobbyists, protestors and more.

Most of the state representatives hosted receptions in their offices with food and drink, including both of the two new Williamson County legislators.  As has been typical of his other political events so far, Dr. Schwertner's event featured better than average food and drink than is typical for these sort of events.  A packed room of supporters from his district, family members from across the state, including his wife, Dr. Belinda Schwertner with their three sons,  his parents from Abilene, his brother from Paris (Texas) and more greeted Dr.Schwertner in his office when he arrived following adjournment of the first day of proceedings.  He greeted constituents, some of whom are patients of his orthopedic surgery practice, and others with a broad smile and obvious enthusiasm for his new role.  His office is located in the underground Capitol Extension, Room E2.304.  Tom Holloway of Cedar Park is his chief of staff.

Rep. Larry Gonzales also hosted a reception for family and friends in his new office.   He also greeted citizens from his district, family and friends as they came by to wish him the best.  Having served in nine previous sessions as a legislative staffer, Mr. Gonzales is very familiar with many of the folks who work in and around the capitol, quite a few of whom seemed very happy that he won his seat.  HIs office is located on "Gonzales Row" since all three of the state representatives whose last name is Gonzales have offices on the same hallway in the underground Capitol Extension, Room E2.412.  Remarks were made on whether this would make it more difficult or easier to find his office were made, but time will tell.   Rep. Gonzales' office is also only a short walk from Dr. Schwertner's office.  His chief of staff is Chris Sanchez of Austin, who previously worked on his campaign staff and for other legislators in earlier sessions.

The biggest news that came out of the first day of the session was that Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) was elected to his second term of speaker, after both of the other announced candidates withdrew their names from consideration.   Speaker Straus was overwhelmingly chosen to lead the House in a record vote, with 132 members voting for him, 15 voting against and 2 voting present, which is basically abstaining. Williamson County Republican Party Chairman Bill Fairbrother released this statement on the speaker's re-election,

“I congratulate Speaker Straus, and look forward to working with him, our great legislative delegation from Williamson County, Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, and others across the state of Texas to implement the conservative policies voters embraced in the 2010 General Election.  Now it is time for the legislature to get to work on behalf of the citizens of Texas, and for us to offer our prayers, support, and ideas to our elected officials."

I also salute the other Republican Representatives who put themselves forward to seek this post.  Our bench is deep in the Texas Legislature, and I thank them for their willingness to serve.”

Chairman Fairbrother also commented that he would be extending an invitation to Speaker Straus to attend and deliver remarks at the party’s annual Reagan Dinner to be held on Monday, February 21st, in Round Rock."

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