Commissioner Ron Davis to retire

At his birthday party/fundraiser last night, Pct. 1 Travis County Commissioner Ron Davis announced his intention to retire. Davis, who was celebrating his 70th birthday, says he will leave office at the end of 2016. He was first elected in November 1998 to fill the unexpired term of Sam Biscoe, who had been elected county judge. Davis will have served for more than 18 years when he retires — probably a record tenure for Precinct 1 — and has been a strong supporter of environmental causes. Among those praising him at the party was colleague Pct. 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea. The only candidate who has filed a campaign treasurer designation for the Precinct 1 seat is James Nortey, a Harvard Law School graduate and member of the city’s Planning Commission. His campaign treasurer is Hoover Alexander, owner of the popular east side eatery, Hoover’s.