She has also served the community in the pastby being aCedar Park City Council memberand a member of the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission, she said. Georgetown Annex100 Wilco Way, CO201Georgetown, TX, 78626, Rachel Arnold This didnt happen by accident, and it wont continue unless we remain vigilant and focused on the things that got us here. The Williamson County Commission District 7 seat is on the ballot after the death of the county's longest-serving commissioner Bert Chalfant in August. She began her career in the technology field shortly thereafter, and eventually found her niche in I.T. "I will remain focused on building and maintaining a strong road system and bringing good jobs to our vibrant community," she said. Primarily held for County Commissioners so they can better understand the equipment and voting processes used in Williamson County before voting on the Election Commissions budget, the meeting will be open to the public and questions from Williamson County citizens are encouraged. Healthy Williamson County Executive Leadership Team working with WCCHD to provide strategic directions for the Healthy Williamson County initiative to strengthen relationships across sectors, ID gaps in the community and increase collaborative opportunities and resources within Williamson County. Keep it Clean. She was elected twice to the Cedar Park City Council, during which time she served as Mayor Pro-Tem, and also served on the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Round Rock Medical Center Board of Directors. Population booms can often result in the deterioration of the quality of life in a community, but here in Williamson County, that hasnt happened. About the Commission Form of Government Williamson County is one of 17 Illinois counties which operate under the Commission form of government. Williamson County also has some important seats up in local races for county commissioner, county courts and justices of the peace. Commissioner Valerie Covey said she had thought about one-time payments but said they would notaddress theproblem of low salaries at jobs in the lower levels of county departments. Trial Counsel in Death Penalty Cases for 2022, Over 65-Disabled Person-Disabled Veteran-Tax Deferral, Over 65 - Disabled Person - Disabled Veteran, 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and 2019 Annual Action Plan, FY21 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Request, Transparency In Coverage (United Healthcare), Hairy Man Rd/Brushy Creek Rd Safety Improvements, RM 620 Overpass at Railroad/Chisholm Trail Project, CR 258 Extension (US 183 To Sunset Ridge Drive), CR279/Bagdad Road (Loop 332 to CR 281/Leander City Limits), SH 29 At DB Wood Intersection Improvements, Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension Planning, Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Certificate of Interested Parties Texas Ethics Commission (Form 1295), How to do Business with Williamson County, Storm Water and the Construction Industry, Winter Weather Disaster Declaration Extension 2-7-2023, Winter Weather Disaster Declaration 1-31-2023, State of Local Disaster Declaration 4-13-2022, State of Local Disaster Declaration 3-21-2022, Winter Weather Disaster Declaration 2-21-2021, Winter Weather Disaster Declaration 2-14-2021, Outdoor Gatherings over 10 people in unincorporated areas of the County 8-13-2020, Hospital Capacity and Retail During Stay Home Safe Order 4-21-2020, Stay Home & Stay Safe Order Extended until midnight on 4-30-2020, Order relating to Mass Gatherings & Large Events 3-16-2020, Order of Declaration of Disaster 3-14-2020, Agenda and backup from 2-9-2017 meeting with Legislators, Special Meeting with Legislators 2-9-2017, Special Meeting to Canvass the General Election Vote Count 11/22/2016. District 10 Commissioner Meghan Guffee is sworn into office on May 10, 2021. By Statute, the County Clerk is the Clerk of the County Board and keeps all records pertaining to official Board action. Moreover, this project is critical to national security, as the U.S. cannot rely on foreign supply chains for semiconductors. Coxserved a year on probation and paid a $2,000 fine after pleading guilty to a Class B misdemeanor in connection with pointing a gun at three construction workers sitting in a truck in 2017 in Liberty Hill, according to court records. We'd love to hear eyewitness Williamson County Jester Annex We've got to stop the bleed of losing employees because inflation is skyrocketing," he said at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday. Meetings are open to the public and public comment is a part of the agenda at each meeting. These programs include funding the San Gabriel Crisis Respite Center, Mobile Outreach Team, Crisis Intervention Team, drug and alcohol docket, and veterans docket. Franklin's WAKM-AM 950 is not known for playing rock music, but local radio listeners are rocking with the new news director, Rockin Ronnie Leftwich. Chalfant, who was 86 and a. Copies of the agenda for the upcoming meeting can be found here. About Commissioner Valerie Covey. You may not use this site for the purposes of furnishing consumer reports about search subjects or for any use prohibited by the FCRA. racist or sexually-oriented language. In Texas, Williamson County is ranked 77th of 254 counties in Commissioners per capita, and 37th of 254 counties in Commissioners per square mile. Commissioner Cynthia Longs leadership is one of the big reasons why. Ill be there. 3151 Southeast Inner Loop at IH 35, CR 305 at IH 35 phase one bridge replacement and intersection improvements at DB Wood & SH 29. Trial Counsel in Death Penalty Cases for 2022, Over 65-Disabled Person-Disabled Veteran-Tax Deferral, Over 65 - Disabled Person - Disabled Veteran, 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and 2019 Annual Action Plan, FY20 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Request, Transparency In Coverage (United Healthcare), Hairy Man Rd/Brushy Creek Rd Safety Improvements, CR 258 Extension (US 183 To Sunset Ridge Drive), CR279/Bagdad Road (Loop 332 to CR 281/Leander City Limits), SH 29 At DB Wood Intersection Improvements, Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension Planning, Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Certificate of Interested Parties Texas Ethics Commission (Form 1295), How to do Business with Williamson County, Storm Water and the Construction Industry. Driving Directions The records are open to the public. ", "My job as commissioner has many responsibilities, which involve meetings and activities away from the precinct office. Secured $75 million in funding for 183A frontage roads. Her goals, if elected, Long said,include continuing to decrease residential homestead exemptions. Each of the county's 12 districts will elect two commissioners . Low 37F. "The Declaration of Independence states that I can have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Under the Commission form, the County is governed by a three person Board of Commissioners. Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, Criminal Court Division "I returned to Franklin to start my career and family because Williamson County is the greatest place I've been. And it is doubtful a person can actually speak to the current commissioner, without an appointment. These responsibilities include adopting Williamson County budgets, approving taxation and financial decisions, adopting ordinances, and making land use decisions. We need to: I believe the degree to which we succeed or fail in achieving those goals in the future will determine whether or not our children inherit a pro-business, pro-family Williamson County where they want to stay and raise families of their own. Cangshan Cutlery - Relocating from California to Leander, 400,000 square ft. facility and150 jobs. Williamson County Commissioner Commissioner Russ Boles has kept his promises, and he's not done yet. I hope a lot of citizens will come with their questions and voice their opinions. Terry won re-election in November 2020 and is now well into her second term. Hours: 8 am to 5 pm Office Coordinator Driving Directions, Mailing Address: The raises will not cause tax increases, he said. 2023 www.statesman.com. The Texas Department of Transportation was joined by U.S. Rep. John Carter, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell and Commissioner Valerie Covey for a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony for the I-35 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard and I-35 from Corn Hill to FM 972 projects. Williamson County commissioners previously approved a 4% cost-of-living raise for employees in August as part of this year's fiscal budget. Under Commissioner Coveys leadership, residents have seen the openings of the Williams Drive expansion, Ronald Reagan Blvd., SH 195 expansion, IH-35 northbound frontage road and the turnaround at SH 29 & IH 35. Her current term ends on December 31, 2022. Commissioner Long served on the Williamson County Metro YMCA Board and was the founding Chairman of the Twin Lakes Family YMCA. The County Clerk is the clerk of the Commissioners Court and shall serve the court during each of its terms. "Right-of-way is purchased for the voter approved projects.". If you would like to go to the Commissioners Court page, click here. KEEP UP WITH THE CAMPAIGN. Letter to the Editor: From someone whos been there, election system is safe and accurate, Commentary: Eating out, and all its challenges, Commentary: Heres hoping St. Pauls historic footprint is redeemed from current development plans, Commentary: Green beer, Irish saints and why we celebrate St. Patricks Day, Bethesda News: Upcoming Benefit for Brylee event will help family of young cancer patient with medical bills, Letter to the Editor: Why the election system Williamson County uses for elections is the best option, christopher.richards@williamsoncounty-tn.gov. They have also seen the completion of deceleration lanes at Cedar Hollow, Escalera Pkwy, Gabriels Overlook and Cimarron Hills. "One of the things from last year that I am really proud of is taking the lead on Commissioners Court to change homestead exemptions and raise them for those over 65, disabled persons and for the first time ever implement general residential homestead exemptions," she said. Richards will be hosting a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 8, in the auditorium of the Williamson County Administrative Complex. Be The Change!! Executive Assistant In 1997, she returned to the private sector and started a consulting firm that managed major technology projects in the airline, manufacturing, and financial service industries. Budget:Williamson County's proposed $287.5 million budget includes 27 new positions, 4% cost of living increases. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. At a Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, Franklin police officer Kevin Spry received a Lifesaving Award from Franklin Police Chief Deborah Faulkner, Assistant Franklin Fire Chief Greg Baltimore, Franklin Fire Chief Glenn Johnson and other city officials. [emailprotected], Mary Jane Perez Some of these duties include: Each year, the Commissioners elect a Chairman from their ranks. READ: Williamson County's $447 million bond package easily approved. The County Commission, Williamson County's largest elected body, will see the largest number of new candidates challenge incumbents. We have hosted over 4,000 kiddos since the programs inception in 2010. Cynthia Long was elected as Williamson County Commissioner for Precinct Two in November 2006. The expansion project hasdoubled the capacityfor cats and added 80 dog kennels. The starting salary for a corrections officer in Travis County in June was$45,255.64 and in Hays County in June it was$43,352.40 annually,officials there said. Wilco Recovery-Oriented System of Care, ROSC committed member of this wide consortium of counselors, housing specialist, professionals for mental health and substance use disorders and non-profits with foci on treating mental health and/or substance use disorders. I used those rights, and I served what was dealt to me by the court. Previous Period Current Month and Year Next Period. Guffee, who grew up in Williamson County, shared that the sound of these board meetings "fueled most of (her) childhood," so right away, she's finding "a good rhythm.". The records are open to the public. Suggest Listing He topped a list of 130 agents with Parks. The County Commission consists of 24 elected members, Two from each of the 12 voting districts of Williamson County, who serve a four-year term of office. Driving Directions Commissioners Court Courts Division Judicial Records Trustee Sales Civil/Probate E-filing Appointment Fee Reports +Public Alerts Homestead Exemptions Certified Copy of your Deed 2021 Constitutional Amendments +District Clerk Judicial Civil Search District Clerk Fees Frequently Asked Questions OCA Appointments and Fee Reports District Clerk Forms In June, the commissioners approved giving starting corrections officers a 17% pay increase of $6,157. There is 1 Commissioner per 254,156 people, and 1 Commissioner per 559 square miles. They unanimously approved the new cost-of-living raises on Tuesday. Williamson County Judge Gravell faces GOP opponent Gallagher ahead of primary election, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 201 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Web Site Phone: (512) 260-4280 Fax: (512) 260-4284 Commissioner Precinct Two. Older indexes from 1848-1998 can be found by clicking here. Lower tax rates. In 1995, Cynthia was elected to the Cedar Park City Council and served as a volunteer council member for four years before being elected as the first woman to represent Precinct Two on the Williamson County Commissioners Court. The Clerk attends all regular and special meetings as Ex-Officio Clerk to take record of those meetings. ", Education: Bachelor's degree in business analysis from Texas A&M University, Community involvement: Served as Cedar Park City Council member and on Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission, served on boards of Round Rock Medical Center and Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, Education: Graduate of Round RockHigh School. Many loyal listeners of WAKM have already adapted to the smooth voice of Leftwich, who was promoted to that position in August 2022. Long said she is the best candidate for the job because she had guided the county through unprecedented growth. CommunicationsSpecialist Donations May Be Made Payable To The "Cynthia Long Campaign " And Mailed To P.O. The Williamson County Board of Commissioners (often referred to as the County Commission) is the legislative body of the County government consisting of 24 members, 2 of which are elected from each of the 12 districts for a four year term of office. A mother to a Page High School senior and Page Middle School 8th grader, Crawford plans to run to unseat Republican . County Clerk(512) 943-1515, 405 Martin Luther King St Oversight of special projects like economic development, transportation and general county services. If you need assistance or have inquiries regarding the Williamson County website, please. Cox said he is best suited for the job because he is "truthful, not deceitful,dont believe in coverups, will not work for the 'suits,'and fully believes in transparency to the citizens of Precinct 2. The Clerk attests all documents acted upon by the Board and prepares the minutes, or written records of each meetings actions, for approval. The Williamson County Board of Commissioners, also known as the County Commission, is the legislative body of the county government and as such it is the primary policy-making body in the county. Provide innovative tools and resources for law enforcement to compassionately deal with mental health related calls. Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long is running in the Republican primary for her fifth term against opponent J.T. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Workforce Matters Coalition Williamson County representative supporting employers and job seekers with improved infrastructure thru community-driven solutions in a 9-county region surrounding Travis County. Commissioner Covey has established herself as a leader in the county who has the courage to stand up for her conservative beliefs and family values. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a degree in accounting and for the past 30 years has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Trial Counsel in Death Penalty Cases for 2022, Over 65-Disabled Person-Disabled Veteran-Tax Deferral, Over 65 - Disabled Person - Disabled Veteran, 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and 2019 Annual Action Plan, FY21 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Request, Transparency In Coverage (United Healthcare), Hairy Man Rd/Brushy Creek Rd Safety Improvements, RM 620 Overpass at Railroad/Chisholm Trail Project, CR 258 Extension (US 183 To Sunset Ridge Drive), CR279/Bagdad Road (Loop 332 to CR 281/Leander City Limits), SH 29 At DB Wood Intersection Improvements, Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension Planning, Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Certificate of Interested Parties Texas Ethics Commission (Form 1295), How to do Business with Williamson County, Storm Water and the Construction Industry. Carter plans to run for the Williamson County Commission to unseat Republican Brian Beathard. Messages left are seldom returned in a timely manner. (512) 244-8610 Direct Line Commissioners are elected at-large to six-year terms. Cynthia Long (Republican Party) is a member of the Williamson County Commissioners Court in Texas, representing Precinct 2.She assumed office in 2007. Commissioner Covey understands that growth is inevitable and that responsible growth and planning is invaluable. Pay hike:Williamson County gives starting corrections officers 17% pay hike, hire 3 prosecutors, He said county employees needed to suffer inflation with "the rest of us." Threats of harming another Commissioner Covey serves the county by participating on various boards and committees, including: the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board, the Williamson County Mental Health Task Force, the Williamson County Conservation Foundation serving as President, the Williamson County Audit Committee, the Williamson County Investment Committee, and the Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties Board of Directors. The County Board of Commissioners is the legislative branch of county government. Winds light and variable. Cox said his goals if elected include repairing or replacing every county road in the precinct and slowing down the county's eminent domain process. Managing values-based investing on behalf of a group of pe. Erin Crawford / District 12 County Commissioner. Williamson Co. Justice Center The funding for those districts will come back before Commissioners Court on Dec. 21, Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said. "A mid-yearsalary increase isunprecedented," Gravell said. PO Box 647 Commissioner Precinct One, Terry Cook Terry won re-election in November 2020 and is now well into her second term. In a Dec. 14 statement, LISD said it will be coordinating. About Us Contact Us Round Rock, Long, 60, was first elected in 2007. Don't Threaten. The Williamson County Commissioners Court has redrawn the map for the county's four precincts after the release of 2020 census numbers. The rate has beenreduced over 30%since she first took office.Because of her fiscally conservative approach to managing and budgeting, for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal year, the average residential homestead in Williamson County will see adecrease in their property tax bill. Marilyn Halstead Nov 29, 2021 Nov 29, 2021 Updated Jan 4, 2022; 0; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link . Real progress begins when informed citizens band together and take action! Commissioners serve four-year terms. As Vice-President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, we are protecting our valuable water, land and air resources through a nationally recognized Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. The Williamson County Emergency Management Agency coordinates the plans and operations of all components of the emergency management system within the county. Cox said he also plans to spend taxpayers' money wisely. Georgetown, TX, 78626, Phone: (512) 943-3370 Long, 59,was first elected in2007. Long said other goals include making county government more efficient, making sure law enforcement "has what it needs to safeguard our families" and having a strong road system. This work took her across the U.S., as well as various places in Latin America and Europe. Under the Commission form, the County is governed by a three person Board of Commissioners. Im always cautious about when discussing the topic, since it can also mean so many different things depending on whom you are asking. "You need help? Financial Commentary: Should your investments align with your values? The natural resources in Williamson County are precious to each one of us. Cynthia has been involved in the Republican party most of her adult life. Hesaid Long puts together "secretly"designed new road systems "only to be brought to the public's attentionyears into the conception.". 400 West Main Street The Constitution gives me the right to protect my property. To transform Williamson County government into a more accessible, responsive, transparent, and well-managed organization for our residents, so that we become the community recognized as the best in central Texas to live and enjoy. person will not be tolerated. "Yes, it has happened, while in the meantime appraised values of property haveskyrocketed.". Masters Degree, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Bachelors Degree, Biochemistry, East Carolina University. More opportunities. Since Day 1, my agenda has been simple. All Rights Reserved. "On the third day of trying to enter my home, blocked by the same people each day, I used a pistol to convince them that they could not block our 'drive way,'" he said. Commissioner Covey is an active member of the Williamson County Republican Party, Georgetown Area Republican Women, The Republican Club of Sun City, Williamson County Republican Women, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and First Baptist Church of Georgetown. Seeing the need to provide opportunities for families to get outdoors together, we started Williamson Countys Learn to Fish program. The building isa two-story building with 60,000 square feet of space. For Voting/Election related questions, please contact the Elections Administrator. According to Long, most of that growth happened on the west side of the county . Select Year. She has worked alongside the Countys mental health professionals, law enforcement, judicial branch of the county and our local mental health authority to garner state recognition for Williamson Countys jail diversion programs. County Judge Bill Gravell said the raises, which take effect in January, are necessary for the county to keep employees and to keep up with inflation. The Commissioners Court, including Long, also "continually condemn" land from property owners "to take it over for 'the good of the public,'" Cox said. Information found on CountyOffice.org is strictly for informational purposes and does not construe legal, financial or medical advice. ", "The current commissioner is not accessible to the people," Cox said. Williamson County commissioner to host town hall meeting to discuss voting integrity, Heritage Foundation seeking nominations for 2023 Sites to Save, Franklin police officer honored at BOMA meeting; snowplow named, Parks Realtys Top Producer award goes to longtime agent Loy Hardcastle, Rockin Ronnie Leftwich rocks new role of news director of WAKM-AM 950, Unicorns are real and they live in Franklin, Franklin BOMA discusses permit for Franklin Pride, noise ordinance amendments, Waves to host its primary fundraising event with annual Breakfast, Hoops: Giles County pulls away from Fairview to win region, Indys Lent, Summits pair of state champs honored as Gateway Tire Athletes of the Week, Hoops: Ryan leads Brentwood past Burros for breakthrough win in OT, plus region title, Wrestling: Fairviews Curtis inks with UTC to continue mat success, State Wrestling: Ford learns from losses, ends decorated career on podium, Hoops: Indy boys, Hillsboro set for region championship clash, Hoops: Brentwood youngsters earn another shot at Hillsboro for region title, State Championship Wrestling: Desselle, Little titles lead Summit to historic 2nd-place showing, Nashville Irish step dancers return to Williamson Countys Academy Park, WCS looks to fill teaching positions at many schools with career fair on Saturday, Noted journalist, author will be guest presenter for March edition of Franklin Civil War Round Table, Kites to fill skies over Franklin Recreation Complex for annual Kite Festival Sunday, Letters from Home 50-state tour comes to Franklin. We strive to make it convenient to meet with me or my staff: in person or over the phone.". Cox said the incident happened after his parents sold 4 acres of land to subdivision developers with an agreement that gave his family an easement to and from their property. He said voters are telling him that the top three issues facing Precinct 2are bad road conditions, a lack of transparency about new roads and the county's wide use of eminent domain. "Yes sometimes it (eminent domain) is required, but only after true, good faith efforts and thoughtful considerations have occurred," he said. Responsibilities & Services. Find Williamson County, Texas commissioners and boards of commissioners. In budget years 2016 and 2017, Commissioner Covey led the charge to reduce voter approved debt by an additional $10 million each year saving taxpayers approximately $10 million in interest. Terms and Conditions. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Commissioner Precinct One Williamson County is one of only 8 counties in the State of Texas and 101 counties in the U.S. to receive a AAA rating, the highest possible. I believe that Williamson County, Texas is an exceptional place, and I was elected to get things done and to fight in the trenches to keep Williamson County exceptional. READ: Williamson County Commissioner faces Democratic challenger, "They tell me to continue to hold the line on taxes and make sure I adequately fund public safety, " Long said. Commissioner Cynthia Long was elected to get things done and to fight in the trenches to keep Williamson County exceptional. The homestead exemptions in Williamson County increased last year from $30,000 to $90,000 for residents ages 65 and olderand for disabled persons the exemptions rose from $25,000 to $75,000. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is now accepting this years nominations for its preservation advocacy program,Sites to Save, which seeks to identify historic places that are vulnerable to demolition, development or neglect. I've never run for political office . The County Clerk is the Clerk of the County Board, and the States Attorney is the County Boards legal advisor. Consideration of ordinances and resolutions. Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance. Former Commissioner Robbie Beal, who represented District 10, resigned last month due to . The first state-administered gold depository in the U.S., the Texas Bullion Depository is a place where state agencies, residents, and businesses can store precious metals. Cynthia led the Commissioners Court this year in increasing the residential homestead exemption to $5,000 or 5% of the value of the home.Increased the Over 65 and Disabled Persons Exemptionto $125,000.Championedproperty taxes rate decreasesduring her tenure. Commissioner Cynthia Long is a native Texan who has called Williamson County home for the past thirty-four years. Older indexes from 1848-1998 can be found by clicking here. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Meetings are held at the Williamson County Administrative Building in the second floor boardroom. The most important function of the county legislative body is the annual adoption of a budget to allocate expenditures within the three major funds of county government - general, school, and highway - and any other funds such as debt service, which may be in existence in that . The board is made up of diverse representation across the political spectrum.Worked with state leaders and TxDOT to secure a historic investment ofover $4 billion for IH35.Secured $75 million in funding for 183A frontage roadsthrough Cedar Park.Led the charge at the County on needed transportation improvements in Liberty Hill, Leander, and Cedar Park for New Hope Drive, Bagdad Road, Hero Way West, intersection improvements at SH 29 @ CR 200, County Road 200, and the Seward Junction Loop. 2023 County Office. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at approximately 8 p.m. For more information, email Commissioner Christopher Richards atchristopher.richards@williamsoncounty-tn.gov. Keep our County safe by voting for funds for competitively paid and well-resourced law enforcement and public safety personnel, Recruit more quality businesses to the area, creating jobs for our citizens, Expand, improve and maintain the roadway system in the county. Cox, 66, is the owner of the Bar P Land Improvement construction company as well as a cattle rancher, he said. The kids and adults that attend learn fishing skills, water conservation and safety, in a fun and safe environment.