In the midst of a complex discussion over public openness and elected officials’ safety, Travis County District Attorney Jos Garza has partially unveiled a $115,000 security budget intended to strengthen his own home. According to Garza, the money was used to strengthen his home’s security because of alleged threats. A heavily redacted purchase order that was made public by Garza’s office included details of the expenditure, which came to about $65,000. According to the Austin American-Statesman, this release is a direct reaction to the Attorney General’s decision that mandated some disclosure of these previously concealed information.
Garza has claimed that the need for such actions stems directly from threats against his life that started to significantly increase in April 2023 after Governor Greg Abbott announced that Daniel Perry would be pardoned. When the investment in Garza’s personal protection was initially made public earlier this year, it sparked a discussion about the county’s obligations and the open use of public monies. Garza stated that “the fair administration of justice and to keep our families safe” were the main reasons for the security improvements in a statement that FOX 7 Austin collected.
These threats have taken the form of increasingly concerning social media posts, a handwritten note threatening violence, and hints that making his personal address public would be a way to pressure him into changing his policy. Garza, who was reelected earlier this month for a four-year term, conveyed this information while emphasizing that any security measures put in place will be returned to the county upon his departure, making these measures a necessary but short-time solution.
In the meantime, a broader discussion over the county’s security procedures for public employees has developed. Garza and the commissioners contend that they have now started to address these issues holistically. However, as the Austin American-Statesman has pointed out, using public funds to upgrade an official’s house for safety wasn’t common practice prior to Garza’s case. County officials created a $500,000 fund to give other officials the opportunity to have their homes safer after the public debate around Garza’s case.
The Travis County Commissioners Court is defending themselves against a lawsuit filed in September by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who accused them of procedural abuse and hiding the use of taxpayer funds. This conflict draws attention to the fine line that separates the public’s right to know and debate how their money is being spent from an elected official’s right to safety. County commissioners reexamined their previous decision-making process in order to address the concerns expressed. Garza is still adamant that additional security details being disclosed could jeopardize his and his family’s safety, a fear that prompted him to appeal the Attorney General’s decision and is currently awaiting a district court ruling, according to FOX 7 Austin.
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