Sen. Watson's resignation a disappointment for transportation advocates

State Senator Kirk Watson is headed to Houston. This week the longtime Austin lawmaker announced he's moving on from public office to a position as the founding dean at the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs.

Transportation has long been one of Watson's top priorities. His time in Austin spans decades and during that time he's become known as an advocate for transportation solutions.

Watson served as Austin mayor from 1997 to 2001 and in the Texas legislature for the last 13 years.

"I love the people of Austin and Central Texas," Watson said Tuesday when he announced his resignation.

Most recently Watson stood up to TxDOT after their commission found funding to improve I-35 in north and south Austin but ignored the most congested part through the heart of downtown.

"Kirk wasn't having any of it and he let it be known this was not acceptable. I think he brought a lot of pressure to bear on TxDOT, so they are now trying to find ways to work with the community to create some solutions," says Travis County Precinct Two Commissioner Brigid Shea.

Watson is a leader Shea calls "enormously effective" adding whoever fills his shoes will have to prioritize transportation solutions.

"I think it's probably the single largest source of frustration. The major issue that so many people will rank as one of the top concerns," she says.

Former CAMPO Chairman Will Conley says without a doubt the region faces an uphill battle without Watson at the state capitol.

"There's really not one aspect of transportation in Central Texas that Senator Watson hasn't been a big part of either directly or indirectly," Conley says. "I don't care who that person is they're not going to be able to fill the shoes of Senator Watson for such a long time," he says of Watson's successor.

Watson was a senator who Conley says focused on what he had in common with others to get the job done. "A very unique leader and somebody that is sorely going to be missed in our region," he adds.

"Folks, I'll see you again. I ain't dying and I ain't going away," Watson said Tuesday. While he may be on his way out the door Watson says his work isn't done.

"I would be surprised if you don't hear us talking about I-35 very soon," Watson said -- not yet saying goodbye but instead 'see you soon.'

"I'm not going away, but this is an opportunity for me to pause and say, 'God bless you and thank you,'" Watson added.

Watson's last day in office will be April 30. Several people have voiced interest in running for his senate seat.