Gómez a True Representative of the People

Dear Editor,
    Margaret Gómez is a true representative of the people. She does not kowtow to special interests or in-house lobbying. Though I don't have lengthy experience with Commissioner Gómez, our farm's battle with Travis County over groundwater the last 2.5 years has given me a wealth of insight into the court and its individual personalities. Gómez was the only member of the county court who supported Samuel Biscoe's plan to rectify the groundwater loss we experienced after the county installed wells nearby to pump huge amounts of water to irrigate sports fields and fill ponds at Walter E. Long Metro Park. [“Well of Controversy: Water Hogs Threaten Farm,” News, July 11, 2008] Manville Water Supply Company has also had to cease pumping in some of their area wells due to the county's pumping. Two of the commissioners adamantly opposed providing relief for a problem that the antiquated state water law didn't require them to resolve [“Drying on the Vine,” News, Nov 14, 2008]. Gómez's response to this difficult situation was: "It seems like we ought to be a good neighbor," and regarding legal obstacles, she said, "We can do things voluntarily" [In Fact Daily, March 9, 2009]. This was the can-do attitude of someone who saw an opportunity and a need to help. Biscoe told In Fact Daily, "The biggest obstacle really is whether or not we want to help." Unlike her peers, Gómez was willing to stick her neck out to do what was right. As Walter Timberlake wrote [“Postmarks,” Feb. 19], your endorsement of her opponent was a rewriting of history. Thank goodness she took the primary anyway!