Want to stay informed? Sign up for our weekly newsletter now.
For the organizers and panelists at the Texas Decisions, Waco Impact event, community was the main focus.
"We really want to open the conversation for our community to be heard" said Andrea Kosar, general manager for the Waco Bridge. She was speaking to the crowd gathered at the McLennan Community College Conference Center.
The hour and a half event began with an overview of the Texas Legislative Session, highlighting bills that might have an impact on Waco.
Then, Waco Bridge editor-in-chief J.B. Smith was joined on stage by state representative Pat Curry. Curry discussed his time in the legislative session, highlighting some of his top priorities for Waco. You can listen to that full interview above.
"When I had my initial discussion with the speaker and he said what’s your number one priority?" Curry explained. "And I said mental health. He looked at me and goes, well that’s not a republican issue. I said, it may not be, but I know it’s a big issue where I live."
He explained that his original goal was to secure funding for a new mental health facility to help fill the gap left by the DePaul Center’s closure. He was unable to secure a new facility, but did secure funding for a 24/7 diversion program.
He also highlighted his efforts to protect Waco’s water supply. He explained he works with Waco leaders to ensure the needs of the community are met.
"We do work together and talk to each other and communicate extremely well to try to carry the McLennan County message forward," Curry said.
The event concluded with a panel and Q&A session with local leaders, including Waco Mayor Jim Holmes, Waco ISD Superintendent Tiffany Spicer and County Judge Scott Felton. You can listen to that panel discussion and Q&A session below.
Mayor Holmes said the event provided an opportunity for community members with different backgrounds to hear from their leaders about the issues facing Waco.
"99% of the issues that we deal with, they’re nonpartisan and we want to hear from all parts – far right, far left centrist – because we have got to come up with a solution," Holmes said. "And I want everyone at the table."
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
KWBU is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
