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Packed courtroom delivers passionate testimony
BASTROP — Commissioners last week heard a full spectrum of Bastrop County voices in heated debate and ultimately tabled a decision to rename a stretch of highway the “Charlie Kirk Corridor.”
The resolution, brought forward Feb. 23 by Precinct 4 Commissioner David Glass, would have called upon local representatives to sponsor legislation to rename a portion of FM 969 after the late right-wing political activist. Glass told the packed courtroom the idea was first brought to him three months earlier and he wrestled with the decision to include it in the agenda.
“I’ve listened to all of you,” the commissioner said. “Out of respect for everyone, let’s have some more comments … more public discussion.”
The flashpoint topic filled courtroom seats and saw residents standing along the walls spilling into the hallway. Speakers on both sides of the political divide provided emotional remarks, often prompting
“Debate is always a good thing in this country. We’re not always going to agree on things … but be very respectful in that process.”
— Commissioner David Glass outbursts and applause from the dense crowd.
“Debate is always a good thing in this country,” Glass said.” We’re not always going to agree on things … but be very respectful in that process.”
Several residents urged the county not to move the resolution forward, saying public roadways should be built to unify the community rather than reflect national politics.
“This is not a neutral legacy … this is not a unifying legacy,” resident Josi Haney said. “This is not what should define a public landmark or represent an entire county.”
Supporters of the resolution countered the conservative activist, fatally shot Sept. 10 while hosting a debate at Utah Valley University, inspired civic engagement and deserved recognition.
“This is an appropriate and important expression of the county’s support for honoring Charlie Kirk and his mission that was tragically cut short by an assassin,” resident Mark Wyatt said. “Charlie Kirk was an American patriot and Christian who encouraged informed civic and cultural engagement, particularly with young students on campuses across the nation.”
Others raised policy and financial concerns, including costs to residents and businesses along the highway for updating legal documents, signage and maps.
“These are hours of their time and their dollars out of their pockets for something they did not ask for and do not want,” resident Ruth Todd said. “This is not a responsible use of our tax dollars.”
One speaker, Tom Glass, a candidate for state representative running in the primary against fellow Republican incumbent Stan Gerdes, who also supported the resolution, drew immediate reaction. Tom Glass compared Kirk’s influence to that of Martin Luther King Jr., saying both men brought Christian values into political debate.
The remark prompted audible murmurs in the courtroom and another speaker later called the comparison “a disgrace.”
“Both appealed to the founding document of our nation, the Declaration of Independence, which said all people are created equal and have unalienable rights,” Tom Glass said.
County officials did not set a date to revisit the proposal. Commissioners said it could be discussed in the future after additional public input.
The meeting resumed its regular agenda after a brief recess allowed the crowd to clear.
