Kirk Watson represents District 14 in the Texas Senate. He is a partner with the law firm Brown McCarroll, LLP and a former Austin Mayor. Additionally, he is former Chair of both the Texas Advisory Board for Environmental Defense and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Watson has been recognized repeatedly for his legislative work. This year, Texas Monthly magazine recognized him with an honorable mention in its coverage of the state's best legislators. In 2009, he was on the magazine’s "10 Best" list, and was named its legislative "Rookie of the Year" in 2007.
Senator Watson is the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. He serves on the Senate committees overseeing Business and Commerce, Economic Development, and Higher Education, and is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security. He is currently sitting on the Joint Committee on Oversight of Higher Education Governance, Excellence & Transparency.
Forefront Story: Diagnosis: Rising Demand for Health Care, Treatment: Innovations in Health Care Delivery
Senator Watson and Central Health President Patricia Young Brown discuss new approaches to creating a healthier community over the next decade in this January 2012 Forefront Austin interview.
Was there a particular experience in your life that prepared you for leadership?
My parents always stressed participation and service and encouraged me to seek opportunities to do that. But, perhaps one of the most significant specific experience occurred in 1992, when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and underwent three surgeries and chemotherapy. Two years later, on a routine CT-scan, doctors found a tumor in my abdomen related to the original cancer. In other words, I'm supposed to be dead. One of the "gifts"of cancer is that it freed me to think about doing other things like run for office. With regard to some of my priorities, I realize that I'm still here only because of early, effective and frequent healthcare. So that experience taught me not only how critically important healthcare is, but also how precious time can be -- and what a mistake it is not to move as quickly as you can, as often as you can.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in public/social service?
It is a thrill beyond words to be part of a process that has the potential to help so many people on such a huge scale. I love Austin and the whole Central Texas region, and it really is a dream come true to give back to this community I've been so blessed by and received so much from. And you need only look around to see how we've benefited by the contributions of our parents, grandparents and past generations; it's humbling to work to leave a similar legacy to our kids and grandkids.
What is the most significant issue you would like to be able to solve?
Partly because of my own experience with cancer, I have a real passion for healthcare and making sure more people have access to it. I also worry a lot that my kids will be among the first generation of Texans that don't have the transportation networks, water supplies and other necessities they need to build their own economy and lives. So I think the biggest priorities for me include increasing access to healthcare and funding basic infrastructure such as projects in the state water plan.
How long have you lived in Austin? What brought you here?
My wife Liz and I moved here in 1981 when I got a clerkship for a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. We were supposed to be here for just a year, but like a lot of folks, we fell in love with the place and stuck around.
What's your favorite Austin dining, entertainment or outdoor experience?
Running on the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake. It's such a beautiful spot, just touching downtown, and I see so many great, diverse people -- some of whom I've known for a very long time -- that it always reminds me of what a special place this is.
