When Patrick Rose first ran for the state legislature in 2002, he was 23, not long out of Princeton and unsure if he would win the office, let alone how long he would keep it. Today, Rose (D-Dripping Springs), 31, is a four-term representative who says that to “get anything done” in the legislature “you need seniority, and I would like to stay in this office for the next six, eight, 10, 12 years.”

Four-term State Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) has drawn an opponent in the March primary. Andrew Backus of Driftwood, a long-time Rose opponent in matters of local groundwater management, filed his intention to run with the Texas Secretary of State on Dec. 15.

Local drivers may have noticed that there has been substantial completion of the construction on the section of U.S. 290 West between Trautwein Road and Nutty Brown Road.

While it remains to be seen if the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) and Hays County legislators can iron out their differences, a process began last week with a plan to bring together stakeholders selected by State Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) and State Senator Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio).

The Lone Star Rail District, formerly called the Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District, announced Monday that the goal of passenger rail from Georgetown to San Antonio is on track with the passage of several milestones in 2009.

Following a contorted process in which a local groundwater district couldn’t agree with local state legislators on a funding bill, Hays County Commissioners appear ready to increase the district’s funding from the county.

The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is asking for questions in advance of Thursday’s legislative update luncheon, where the guests will be state Senator Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) and state Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs).

State Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) and Texas State have announced the start of the San Marcos River Observing System project at the Rivers Systems Institute. The project will develop a comprehensive monitoring program to enhance the future sustainability of the San Marcos Springs, Spring Lake and the San Marcos River.

The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce (SMACC) will hold its annual legislative update luncheon with Sen. Jeff Wentworth and State Rep. Partick Rose on July 20, from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. at the City of San Marcos Conference Center.

After the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) couldn’t make a deal with the legislature for more funds, the district asked the Hays County Commissioners for more money this week.