AUSTIN, Texas - In addition to filing a report for the Rio Grande Guardian from Austin, veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock spoke in the public comment section of last week’s Texas Transportation Commission meeting.
The managing director of Ron Whitlock Reports and The Shepherd Group spoke in support of a motion TTC had just approved to give responsibility for developing the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway to the Texas Transportation Commission. The project had previously been spearheaded by Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.
Whitlock thanked TTC Commissioner and Rio Grande Valley native Alex Meade and his colleagues, along with Gov. Greg Abbott.
“Today I want again to give credit not only to our TxDOT Commissioner, Alex Meade but also to Governor Greg Abbott and also the entire commission, all of you, for doing what many thought would never happen - TxDOT assuming the 2nd Causeway project at South Padre Island, basically assuring that it will move forward and will be built,” Whitlock said.
Whitlock is known as the Valley’s unofficial ambassador at the state Capitol in Austin because of his regular “fruit runs.” He takes Ruby Red Grapefruit and watermelons from the Valley to state leaders, legislators, and state agency heads in Austin to thank them for supporting the Valley’s legislative agenda.
On this occasion, Whitlock left grapefruit with Meade to distribute among the TTC commission.
“Thank you, Mr. Whitlock,” said TTC Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of Whitlock's remarks at the TTC meeting held Dec. 12, 2023:
https://youtu.be/XS90KG4nruQ
