During the citizen comment period at the Oct. 16 Comal County Commissioners Court meeting, resident Garrison Mower asked the court to host an additional, informal meeting for towing companies and stakeholders following a recent workshop on towing regulations.

Mower apologized to an individual he had earlier thought supported his proposals and said he learned after the workshop that the focus had shifted from safety concerns to perceived fairness among towing companies. “Since the workshop, I've learned the foundation of the workshop was not really about the safety, but it shifted to what was perceived as being fair for some companies,” Mower said. “I presented my proposals as what was safe and what's best for the community, not what was fair. Since we learned that new information, I would like to have a new meeting for the community.”

Mower suggested the courthouse host an informal meeting modeled on other local forums, with participation from towing companies, community members and county officials. He said the approach previously used in other jurisdictions — with the judge as host — brought stakeholders together for productive discussion.

The court did not take immediate action on Mower’s request during the meeting; public comment items concluded and the court proceeded through its agenda.