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Interviews with Community Leaders

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Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Q&A with Cynthia Long and Dan Gattis, Sr.

Cynthia Long, Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2

Cynthia Long has always believed one person can make a difference. This is why she became involved in city government. She wants to make her community a better place to live.

“I was on the planning committee for Cedar Park for seven years and city council for four years,” Long said. “I was a founding chairman for the Twin Lakes YMCA, on the metro board for YMCA and am very active in my church.”

Education: BBA in Business Analysis from Texas A&M University
Family: Husband of 20 years, Donn, and daughter
Contact Information: clong@wilco.org, 260-4280; Kathy Grimes, secretary

Q. What inspired you to run for office?: A. I have a strong desire to serve. God gives us each a gift, and mine is service. I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. I helped start a neighborhood association to get positive things done in my community. After that, a friend suggested that I see what I could do for the city.
Q. What is the greatest challenge facing your precinct? How do you plan to overcome this challenge?: A. Our greatest challenge is mobility because so many people who live in Precinct Two work in Austin and Travis County. We need to create an infrastructure to get to work quicker and easier. To overcome this challenge, we need to be proactive in road design and construction of roads and transit systems. Leander is at the forefront of transportation with the light rail. It is equally important to have economic development. We want to attract and bring large employers so we do not have to drive so far to work. My dream is for us to have ample employers so that citizens can live and work here without the burden of a major commute.
Q. What do you think people should know about county government?: A. Understanding what county government does is important. Right now, high school graduates do not know about local government because they are not being taught. County government is more than building roads; we also deal with the court system, the judiciary end and indigent health care. We are currently working with the Sheriff’s department to deal with citizens with mental health issues, which is a growing responsibility. My hope for county government is that we are able to get out to civic organizations to work with schools and in the community to let people know what we do.
Q. Explain about donating your hair to “Locks of Love.”: A. My niece donated her hair several years ago and recently suggested my daughter and I donate ours. I researched the program and decided it was a unique opportunity. You are able to give a gift to children who have lost their hair. They donate hairpieces to kids with financial disadvantages and medical conditions, like cancer, that stop hair growth. Before Christmas, my daughter, her friend and I decided to donate our hair, too.

Dan Gattis, Sr., Williamson County Judge

Dan Gattis, a native Texan, began his professional career as a teacher in the Round Rock School District, and education remains important to his heart.

“Teaching was the most rewarding job I ever had. I thoroughly enjoyed it and never had any intentions of leaving,” Gattis said. “It was a lot of fun. I had great relationships with students and parents.”

Gattis left teaching to work for the Texas Education Agency and also had a 27-year association with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For his work there, he was selected in the first class of Distinguished Alumni at Texas State University – San Marcos.

Education: BA in Agricultural Education, Texas State University – San Marcos. MEd, Texas State University – San Marcos.
Family: Wife, Karen; two sons, Dan, Texas State Representative, and Brent, Lobbyist in Washington D.C. and two grandchildren
Contact Information: dgattis@wilco.org, 943-1550

Q. What inspired you to run for office?: A. I wanted to be busy. I have had a lot of training and expertise, had the ability to travel internationally and have held various management positions. I have had a great career, and I wanted to give back to the community.
Q. What is the greatest challenge facing the county? How do you plan to overcome this challenge?: A. Growth is the biggest challenge. Williamson County is growing in population every day. The county needs to decide what to do about building county buildings and roads and ensuring public safety. Since we can’t contain the growth, we need to try to manage it. We have to plan ahead and with the growth. We want to help improve the quality of life.
Q. What do you think people should know about county government?: A. County government is very close to the people. There are four commissioners and one county judge. The people in the county need to know that they can make contact with their county government and let the county know their needs. They should also know that we have limited authority.
Q. As far as duties and responsibilities, how does county judge differ from county commissioner?: A. As far as responsibilities, the commissioner is in charge of representing their precinct. I do expect them to be able to fight for their precinct first and then think about what is best for the county as a whole. As county judge, I need to think about what is best for the county as a whole from the beginning. The judge has more administrative duties, including setting the agendas for meetings and proposing budgets.
Q. What have you achieved that you are proud of?: A. First, I have a great family. My wife, Karen, should have all the credit for raising a wonderful family. I am proud of our family and of our boys. Second, my 27-year career in Houston. Third, the most valuable thing in my life is my integrity and my reputation, and I am pleased with both.