What does a county treasurer actually do and why does the office matter?

In the premiere episode of My Texas Ballot, host Andee Kinzy sits down with Travis County Treasurer Dolores Ortega Carter to explore the responsibilities of the Treasurer's office, the role county government plays in our daily lives, and the challenges and opportunities facing local government today. Dolores reflects on nearly four decades of public service, the importance of transparency and collaboration, and why civic participation remains essential to a healthy democracy.

Key topics

• Dolores’ journey into county government and her pioneering role as the first Hispanic woman elected countywide in Travis County.
• The history and evolution of the Travis County Treasurer's office since 1876.
• The scope of the county treasurer's responsibilities, including managing county funds, investments, bonds, and budget oversight.
• How legislation affects county funding, including federal grants, taxes, and recent challenges like data center legislation.
• The importance of transparency, checks and balances, and technological innovation in county finance.
• Why voting, civic participation, and community involvement are essential to maintaining a healthy democracy.
• Dolores' reflections on public service, integrity, leadership, and maintaining hope during challenging political times.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Meet Dolores Ortega Carter, Travis County Treasurer
• 00:31 Her path into public service and county leadership
• 03:17 What the County Treasurer actually does
• 10:54 Bonds, infrastructure, and protecting public funds
• 14:21 The experience and skills behind the role
• 17:50 Preparing for new legislative and budget challenges
• 24:46 Grants, affordability, and pressure on county services
• 27:32 Making the case for local government through collaboration
• 31:23 Why elected county offices still matter
• 36:21 Public service, mentorship, and community connection
• 37:27 Hope, democracy, and leading by example
• 41:19 How residents can stay civically involved
• 46:45 A call to vote - and a question for the community

Resources & Links

• Travis County Treasurer Office
• Texas Association of Counties
• National Association of Counties
• Rotary International
• Girl Scouts of Central Texas

Connect with Dolores Ortega Carter

• LinkedIn

About My Texas Ballot

My Texas Ballot is an interview series hosted by Andee Kinzy exploring the people and offices appearing on the Texas ballot. Each conversation examines the purpose of the office, the guest's background and experience, the challenges facing the position, and the issues that affect the communities they serve.

Connect with Andee Kinzy

• Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube