Summit Brings Austin and Washington to East Texas

The third Lone Star Legislative Summit is set for February 17 and 18 in Nacogdoches, Texas. The event kicks off with the Lone Star Reception on Wednesday, February 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hotel Fredonia. Summit sessions begin with an early breakfast on Thursday, February 18 on the second floor of the Stephen F. Austin Sate University Student Center. Sessions run through the afternoon. Topics include Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Property Rights.

Texas Governor Rick Perry will speak on legislative challenges and opportunities across Texas. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has been invited to present her views of the national legislative landscape. Weather may prevent her from attending, but we will have an authoritative speaker on national issues on hand.

U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert will highlight federal activity on healthcare, homeland security and other major issues.

Rep. Wayne Christian and State Senator Robert Nichols are co-hosting the event and will welcome fellow legislators to their 'home territory'. Senator Nichols' District 3 covers 16 East Texas counties. He is also a former TxDOT commissioner. Rep. Christian's District 10 includes Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine, Sabine and Jasper Counties.

The Transportation discussion will be moderated by Senator Robert Nichols and includes Texas Department of Transportation Assistant Director of Engineering John Barton and Rep. Allen Fletcher. Rep. Fletcher's District 130 covers part of Harris County. A law enforcement professional, Mr. Fletcher serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and Urban Affairs Committee.

Chairman of the House Education Committee Rob Eissler leads a panel that also features Rep. Jim Jackson. Rep. Eissler's District 15 covers part of Montgomery County. He was just named to the Select Committee on Public School Finance. Rep. Jackson's District 115 covers part of Dallas County. He also serves on the House Education Committee.

"Water, Water, Everywhere ... is there enough to Drink?" is the title of a panel moderated by David Alders of Nacogdoches. Rep. Allan Ritter and Rep. Brandon Creighton will participate with Jerry Clark, executive vice president of the Sabine River Authority. Rep. Ritter is the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. His District 21 covers part of Jefferson County. Rep. Creighton's also serves on the Natural Resources Committee. His District 16 covers part of Montgomery County. An agribusinessman, Mr. Alders serves on the East Texas Region 1 Water Planning Group for the Texas Water Development Board.

Cost for the Wednesday reception is $25. Thursday breakfast is $15 and luncheon is $25. A combination registration for all ticketed events is only $50. The event is produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. Check out http://www.nacogdoches.org/ to register online, and to see updates on the above information. (Information updated January 27, 2010)