Margaret Gomez Receives 5 Public Safety Groups' Endorsements

by: Karl-Thomas Musselman

Wed Dec 09, 2009 at 10:00 PM CST

This early institutional support for Gomez over her Democratic primary challenger Raul Alvarez is an important marker that her campaign is active and playing for keeps without letting endorsements slip away to give any early credentials to her opponent.

While there are certainly issues with Gomez from her work on the Commission and board she serves on including CAMPO, Alvarez does not seem to be competing as aggressively as required at this stage to take on  the 16 year incumbent.

The endorsing organizations' statements are posted below the fold.  

Brett Spicer, chairman, Travis County Sheriffs' Law Enforcement Association PAC: Commissioner Gomez has always worked to improve public safety in Travis County. She cares about protecting our communities and she has a record to prove it. She is an experienced leader on the Commissioners Court, and we are proud to endorse her re-election."

Millie Zapata, vice president, Austin-Travis County EMS Employees Association & PAC Board Member: "Commissioner Margaret Gomez understands that ambulances must be near the community they serve. EMS is not only serve the community as a public safety agency, we also are very involved with the public health of our citizens - and she understands that.  We support Margaret Gomez because she supports EMS."

Chris Perkins, chairman, Austin Police Association PAC: "Commissioner Gomez has been a long time supporter of public safety. She has never voted against public safety in harsh budget times, because she understands that the protection of the public comes first."

Jason Pack, president, Travis County Firefighters Association (Local 4583): "Commissioner Gomez has been engaged with the fire fighters and the department in a genuine effort to ensure that the people of southeast Travis County get the best possible ems and fire response. Her attention and support has truly help shape the ever improving delivery of public safety in Travis County."