Texas House Member Strama Leaving To Join Google

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas House member Mark Strama has announced he's leaving public office to lead Google Inc.'s new fiber broadband service planned for Austin.

Strama made the comments as the Texas House ended its work Tuesday night in the special legislative session. Strama also told the Austin American-Statesman that he won't be running for mayor of Austin.

The Democrat who's represented parts of Austin since 2005 starts his Google job on July 15.

Strama says he'll be the top Google Fiber official in Austin to help formulate the proposed ultra-high-speed broadband fiber-optic access network. Strama's work history involves running a technology startup.

Strama has more than a year remaining on his Texas House term. A special election likely will be called to fill the slot.

Information from: Austin American-Statesman

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.