A
dv cate
the
Y O U R
N E W S
Y O U R
V O I C E
Y O U R
FREE GeorgetownAdvocate @Advocate_TX
T O W N
P.O. Box 213 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • (512) 746-4545
NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Central Texas’ Award-Winning Local News Source
GOVERNM ENT
Hammerlun Not Seeking Second Council Term
“It’s Georgetown’s Time” Jerry Hammerlun This week Precinct 5 City aandcontribution give back to
“Heart, Brains and Talent” Judge Donna King Sworn in 26th District Court by Ann Marie Ludlow
The headline is a quote
by Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield and a sentiment shared by many in the 26th District Courtroom as he administered the oath to Williamson County’s newest District Judge, Donna King. In an emotional ceremony with several mentions
of “coming full circle,” Judge King’s husband John held the Bible for her while Judge Stubblefield spoke the words, much as he did almost 19 years ago when he swore King in as a lawyer. The standing-room-only ceremony was packed with family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, law enforcement, prominent businessmen and dozens of cameras. See Oath, page 5
Councilman Jerry Hammerlun shared with the Advocate that he would not seek a second term on the Georgetown dais. A firm believer in public service and an ardent fan of Georgetown, Hammerlun is also a savvy businessman and has decided to give his own growing company his full time and attention. But because preparation for and outreach for the Council position requires 60-70 hours per month, he believes Council also deserves full time and attention and is unwilling to shortchange his business or his constituents. What inspired you to run for office? What made you decide not to run again? Georgetown is the greatest place in the world and it has been a fabulous place for my wife and me to raise our family. I believe in service and I believe I had an obligation to make
the city. Being on Council was a good opportunity to contribute some of my understanding of the issues and challenges of the City. I am proud of the preparation I’ve done and my ability to engage on all the issues and questions. That’s the reality of the job; you have to be willing to make the time and go out to help the people understand your point of view, and let them know how you’re going to proceed. I underestimated the commitment and the significant time required to be a Councilman today. So the reality is that my business is flourishing and we will soon be opening new offices, so it is important for me to acknowledge that to do both will not allow me to give
NO CASE TOO COLD Page 3
the city the kind of quality service is deserves and has come to expect. It’s been a phenomenal experience and I love being involved and part of the process. I respect the group that we have on the dais today; the diversity of that group is also phenomenal. It doesn’t simplify anything to have a variety of outlooks, but the diversity and perspective they all bring is exciting. I also want to add that when you decide to transition a position such as this, it’s important to engage in the process of someone who can succeed you. I am pleased to say, and I fully See Hammerlun, page 4
COUNTY COURT APPOINTS ELDER GUARDIANS
FAREWELL TO JARRELL MAYOR Page 6
COMING SOON TO JARRELL, BOOKS! Page 7
LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE
Friday, November 28
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available in the courthouse rotunda following the lighting, from 6 to 8 p.m., with proceeds benefitting Williamson County’s Brown Santa program for area children and families.
Concordia Nursing Students with Judge McMaster (center). Also pictured, Commissioner Cynthia Long, Professor Greta Degen. Story on page 5. Family-owned childcare centers ∙ Serving ages 0 to 12 years
SPACES LIMITED! ENROLL TODAY!
CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING AHEAD Children are a gift from God.
Psalm 127:3
KIDS’ ZONE Learning Center
104 Copper Lane Jarrell 512-746-2333
4802 Moreland Dr. Georgetown 512-868-8300
J arrel l HomeS al es. com
512-971-2833 Cen-Tex Real Estate SPONSORING BROKER: SPENCER PROPERTIES