About Rep. Pickett
Almost Official Picture & Biographical Information
Representative
Joe C. Pickett is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, where he is presently serving his ninth term. He is a full time State Representative and is known for his expertise in appropriations and on transportation issues. He holds a Texas real estate broker’s license, collects antique cars and writes children’s books which are published and being marketed throughout the United States. His books are a big part of his effort to support children's literacy programs. Some of his books have been commissioned by the United Way and are written in English and Spanish. Joe is also the proud father of four, three girls and a boy. Joe started his political career as a City Council member for the City of El Paso, Texas. During his time on City Council, he was appointed to serve on the Central Appraisal District Board for El Paso County and the Pension Board for the City of El Paso Representative Pickett is currently serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs. In addition, he is the former Chairman of Transportation and is a current member of the House Committee on Transportation and the House Committee on Redistricting. He is also a member of the House Research Organization. This committee reports on all legislation which is scheduled for floor debate, does analysis on major interim topics and on constitutional amendments. This is an elected position of the House of Representatives body. He is a also a member of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, and Legislative Study Group. Currently, Joe serves as the Chairman of the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board. This body is comprised of the City of El Paso and all local Municipalities, the County of El Paso, State Legislators, and local elected officials in New Mexico and the Departments of Transportation in both States. Representative Pickett's civic involvement includes membership on the boards of the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso, the Texas YMCA´s Policy Council and the Advisory Council for Health Sciences for the University of Texas El Paso. He has been a member of the Lions Club for the past 21 years, a former member of the El Paso Crime Stoppers Board, and served five years as a volunteer board member and Chairman of a local credit union. The main thrust of his civic involvement has been the forming of a 501-C3 non-profit organization, Lee Trevino Improvement Association, that fights graffiti, and enhances the aesthetics of the community through tree planting, cleaning and building renovation projects. The association was awarded a national honor by the "Keep America Beautiful" organization and has been awarded a grant from the Office of the Governor for its work in the community.
