Greetings! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. It’s hard to believe we’re right in the middle of the holidays. They seem to come around so quickly now, but what special times they are. I want to also wish you a happy and blessed Christmas. I hope we can all take some time to remember and reflect on the true meaning of this very special holiday.
What an honor you have bestowed on me to serve as president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. I am truly grateful for the trust you have placed in me and the support you have given me throughout the years. It was so great to get to know some of my colleagues from around Texas while we were in Odessa at our State Conference, and I look forward to meeting and talking with more of you in the coming year. And what a great time we had in Odessa. They really threw out the red carpet for us. I want to personally thank Judge Susan Redford and the Ector County Commissioners Court for their hospitality and generosity for hosting such wonderful events. Also, to all the sponsors and exhibitors that make our conferences so successful, thank you very much. We could not do this without you.
The success of the conference would not have been possible without the leadership of our Immediate Past President Judge Don Allred. Don, thank you so much for your commitment and service to our organization; you and your lovely wife, Melanie, have been and continue to be an inspiration to me. I also look forward to working with our current officers, Judge Roger Harmon and Commissioner Patti Jones. Patti, welcome and congratulations on your position as second vice president. I know you will do an outstanding job. We have a great team in place ready to serve you and work with you on important issues facing our counties. Please feel free to contact us at any time regarding any issue.
Although this is an off year for the Legislature, a special session is never out of the question. We will be monitoring that very closely. Jim Allison, our general counsel, is ever so vigilant to alert us on any issues that may come up pertaining to county government. Jim does an outstanding job and represents our counties extremely well, but we will need your help. I would ask that if a situation presents itself, please be ready to assist. Together, we can make a difference! That was evident earlier this year when we had many of you, more than ever, participating in the process. Your phone calls, visits, and e-mails did make a difference. Thank you so much. Also, Mr. Allison and others have been sending out alerts regarding “Goods-in-transit.” Each taxing entity, including counties, must adopt a resolution by Dec. 31, 2011, to continue taxation of this property. Don’t delay. Take action soon! (See Jim’s column in the November issue of County Progress for additional details.)
I look forward to a great and successful year. I know many of us will be in the middle of elections, and I wish you all the best. Please know that I am always available, and you can call on me if I can help you in any way. I believe we have all been placed in these positions for a reason. Let’s all serve with honor and integrity. Our citizens deserve no less.
God Bless You,
Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe
Association President