Krusee's Retirement Announcement

The text of state Rep. Mike Krusee's retirement announcement, which was faxed out minutes ago:

STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KRUSEE

After careful consideration, I have decided not to run for another term in the Texas Legislature. I will be leaving elective office, but I intend to stay active in the issues that I care about, Transportation and New Urbanism, both here in Texas and nationwide.

I leave office optimistic about Williamson County's future. In the sixteen years I have represented the county, we have laid a firm foundation for our citizens to build upon.

• Regional water agreements are in place to ensure that our robust growth can continue.

• New higher education facilities meant that our children have expanded opportunities, and that our communities can successfully compete for jobs, confident that employers will have access to an educated work force.

• Our new road system will fuel economic growth for the next generation and improve our quality of life.

• Commuter rail will open next year in our county, giving our citizens more commuting options, and the surrounding Transit Oriented Developments (TOD's) can lead to more efficient land use patterns.

• New Urbanism, representing a return to traditional "walkable" neighborhoods, has been embraced by cities as diverse as Georgetown, Leander, Hutto and Round Rock.

•Just as importantly, I devoted myself to forming a consensus for regional cooperation, leaving behind the days of "Austin-bashing" and regional squabbles. In particular, I am grateful to Will Wynn, Kirk Watson and Toby Futrell for their leadership roles and friendship.

I am proud that Texas has taken bold, visionary steps toward our looming infrastructure problems. There is no silver bullet to infrastructure needs, but we've taken the issue off the back burner and made it a priority. Communities now have the power and tools to address infrastructure needs as never before. Time will show that we were right to take bold steps on transportation policy.

I have the greatest respect for my colleagues in the House, an honest group of hardworking men and women who seek to do the right thing. I will miss being there every day working with you, but I will stay involved. I also wish to thank Gov. Perry for his leadership and vision – especially in Transportation Policy.

To the great people of Williamson County – it has been an honor to represent you. I have tried to represent our conservative philosophy and to address the needs of such a robust and fast growing district. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to represent you.