Group works to preserve local powers

A group of citizens from across Texas will gather in the State Capitol rotunda today to read an open letter to state officials seeking to preserve local control for Texas cities. The group, Local Control Texas, will release the letter calling on Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Joe Straus and legislators to oppose efforts to strip power from cities and counties. “We need to stand against legislative efforts to undo these good works,” Daren Hodges, Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Stockton, said. “This effort brings together Texans from across the political spectrum, and from every corner of our state. It’s about standing up for one of our core values — local control.” Among the group’s members is Byron Friedrich, a Caldwell County homeowner and opponent of a landfill proposed for just outside of Lockhart, who will point out how weakening local governments makes it easier for population centers to dump on smaller communities. The group will gather in the Capitol rotunda at 10:30 a.m. today. For more information, go to LocalControlTexas.org.