Congressman Kevin Brady named Deep East Texas 'Legislator of the Year 2006'

More than 250 people packed the atrium of the Omni Downtown Hotel in Austin Monday night for the Deep East Texas Reception.

The event, honoring State Officials and Legislators from the Deep East Texas area, was held the night before the convening of the 80th session of the Texas Legislature.

"The legislative process in Texas is very intense because they only meet for five months every two years," according to Polk County Judge, and National Association of Regional Councils President, John Thompson. "This reception is a statement from the people of Deep East Texas that we are interested in what is going on in Austin, that we support our state officials and legislators, and want to be included in the process."

A special presentation of "Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year 2006" was made to U.S. Congressman, Kevin Brady. The award is given to a legislator that has shown outstanding efforts on behalf of the people of Deep East Texas.

Newly elected Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Todd Staples, a past recipient of the award, made the presentation.

"Congressman Brady could probably get re-elected based on just his support from the Woodlands, but after congressional redistricting, he worked hard to get to know his new constituents in Deep East Texas and to represent them in Washington," said DETCOG Executive Director, Walter Diggles. "When Hurricane Rita came along, there was no federal official that worked harder to make sure Deep East Texas was represented before federal agencies and congress. He made more visits, spent more time on the phone and worked longer hours getting us assistance."

The sponsors for the 2007 reception include the Deep East Texas County Commissioners and Judges Association, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, the Burke Center, the Texas Forestry Association, East Texas Support Services, Polk County, Jasper County, Tyler County, Houston County, the City of Lufkin, the City of Jasper, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation, Stephen F. Austin State University, the Lower Neches Valley Authority, the Sabine River Authority, Brazos Transit District and the Pineywoods Economic Partnership.