Mayor pro-tems explain duties and challenges

Mayor pro-tems explain duties and challenges

Written by Kathy Lesko Tuesday, 07 February 2006

Alan McGraw, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Round Rock

As the longest-tenured member of the Round Rock City Council, Alan McGraw sometimes feels like the odd man out. But, that is exactly what drew him to the political arena in the first place.
“When I first ran for city council in 2001, things were much different than they are today. We had a very traditional, divided council. Votes were often split. I talked to some of the community leaders and shared my views on how we could establish change.”
The real estate and business litigator has used his skills well in the past four-and-a-half years, the last 18 months of those serving as Round Rock’s mayor pro-tem.

Q What does the mayor pro-tem do?

A When the mayor is unable to act, that is where I step in; kind of like a “vice mayor.” I see my role as working together with the council to try and better our community. We have a council right now that works extremely well together. I have to give them continued support and also be there for the mayor.

Q What projects are you most excited about this year?

A Definitely the Chandler Road corridor. With IKEA, the Premium Outlets, Scott & White Hospital right next to that, and Seton Williamson Medical Center just down the road…add to that Texas State University and possibly Concordia University. I don’t know what else we can place there to make it any more attractive for business!

Q What do you feel is Round Rock’s biggest challenge right now?

A When I moved here in 1992, the population was around 30,000. Now we are close to 85,000! While these new construction projects might have the tendency to give us a big city feel, one of the things that has made Round Rock so popular and attractive is that it still has a sense of community cohesiveness. This continued growth we’re experiencing is going to put pressure on that.

Q What makes Round Rock a good place to live?

A There is a great marriage of a small community feeling with a very strong economic base. People have the opportunity to live and work here, and do financially very well, but at the same time they don’t feel like they are living in a huge metropolitan suburb. It’s tough to maintain that balance. Round Rock is a great place to raise a family, but the city also recognizes that not everyone fits into that traditional family mold. We have to continue to embrace and build our infrastructure and community around those differences.

• Education Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University, Master’s degree in taxation from Colorado State University, Law degree from University of Texas
• Family Wife of 18 years, 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son
• Contact Information 218-5401, e-mail: council2_mcgraw@round-rock.tx.us

  ---

Chuck Larosche, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Pflugerville

Chuck Larosche is a structural engineer who works on preservation and renovation projects. His daily challenge is to introduce and tailor new technology designed to maintain without taking away from the historic fabric of a building. He looks at his entry into Pflugerville politics much the same way.
“Five years ago I became involved in the Downtown Planning Committee,” he says. “We were charged with developing a concept of how downtown Pflugerville should look; trying to preserve its German heritage, but at the same time make it appealing to potential businesses.
Striking that fine balance is a skill he continues to use today in the role as Pflugerville’s mayor pro-tem.

Q What does the mayor pro-tem do?

A The mayor pro-tem is the ad hoc mayor in the event the mayor is unable to perform her duties. The most important aspect is staying in tune with the mayor’s agenda and moving the council forward in reaching a consensus. I meet with the mayor several times a week to ensure this continuity.

Q What projects are you most excited about this year?

A I’m very excited about the 130 Corridor and the potential economic development it can bring. Our challenge is that this can be a tremendous opportunity for growth or a huge liability. The key is going to be planning.

Q What do you feel is Pflugerville’s biggest challenge right now?

A Breaking our “bedroom community” mold and developing a new identity, one that defines a community where people not only live, but work and play in the city of Pflugerville.

Q What makes Pflugerville a good place
to live?

A It’s definitely that small town feeling. Where else can your 10-year-old ride his bike downtown and back without you worrying about him? We have a low crime rate, excellent school system, and a parks and recreation program – including outstanding hike and bike trails – that is just great. I know sometimes it’s frustrating that we don’t have enough amenities to reduce property taxes and we are somewhat compromised because of a lack of sales tax revenue generated from businesses in comparison to other communities that are the same size. But those dynamics are beginning to change.

• Education Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and Master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Texas
• Family Wife, 21-year-old son, 18-year-old daughter and two dogs
• Contact Information 990-4363, e-mail: council3@cityofpflugerville.com