County Progress asked six departing officials to share a snapshot of their years on the commissioners court, including their most meaningful moment as a public servant.
Angelina County Judge Joe Berry, also a former county commissioner
I was elected county commissioner and served from 1981 to 1987. At that time, I left office and joined the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and worked there as a field representative. Later, I came back home and ran for county judge. I was elected 1991 through this date. At the end of the year, I will have served 23 years in county government. I have served on the TAC Board of Directors when we purchased the first building in Austin. As county judge, I have served with various groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Deep East Texas Council of Governments, Key 8 Leadership Group for Nacogdoches and Angelina County, Deep East Texas Workers’ Compensation fund, and the Economic Development Partnership. I was recently elected to the Kurth Foundation.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment or most meaningful experience while in office?
The passage of the bond issue by more than 70 percent for the construction of our new 274-bed law enforcement center and sheriff’s office complex was a great accomplishment. We have expanded our physical office space due to growth in our county by nearly double. Our tax office enjoys drive-in services. Our landfill is a model facility on a regional basis serving both the residents of our county and surrounding counties. We have one of the finest airport facilities for a county our size, which has certainly contributed to the economic growth of our county. As for meaningful experiences while in office, I feel that the shuttle disaster in and around our county and Hurricane Rita not only affected East Texas and Angelina County, but the follow-up work with the evacuees and relief efforts for our citizens was certainly one of great satisfaction and memories that will never be forgotten. I feel honored to have been in office when these events occurred and to have had the opportunity to have been of service during these times.
How has county government changed over the years?
I sometimes think that due to legislation from Austin, county government has gotten worse rather than improving. I feel that the greatest change for county government has been through education and the demand for more professionalism, and that has brought about credibility for county government. The electronic and data changes have brought about great improvements for our officeholders.
What advice do you have for commissioners and judges?
I feel that there are two things that are very important: One is patience, and the other is common sense.
What are your plans after retirement?
I really have no definite plans other than some volunteer work and just doing what I desire when I want to. To all my friends in county government, I wish each and every one of you the very best. You are where the rubber meets the road.
Yoakum County Judge Dallas Brewer
There have been many happenings in Yoakum County since 1987. I helped create the Sandlyland Underground Water District, and I helped lead the court in the purchase of land for a landfill that has been a tremendous savings to the county. I helped in the creation of Teen Court for Yoakum County, and along with 22 other county judges created the West Texas Center for MHMR to better serve the residents of West Texas. I was instrumental in the court’s decision to add nine holes to the existing golf course, and I helped with efforts to remodel and make additions to the hospital. I led the court in a bond election to build an outpatient medical facility, dialysis center, and a fitness center for Yoakum County. In addition, we just recently completed a new golf pro shop. I have served on numerous committees and boards in Yoakum County. I helped form the Yoakum County Connection to promote the arts in Yoakum County.
I have served on various boards of the Texas Association of Counties. I was very proud to have been chairman of the Building Committee for the new home of TAC. I have also been TAC’s representative to the NACo Board of Directors.
I have served on numerous boards in our region. One I am glad to have served on was the Region O Water Planning Committee. I am also a member of South Plains Community Action, South Plains Public Health District, and West Texas Centers for MHMR.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment or most meaningful experience while in office?
Providing services for the betterment of Yoakum County, for which citizens have expressed their thankfulness.
How has county government changed over the years?
Work load has tripled over the last 20 years. Unfunded mandates have caused a huge difference. Technology certainly has made life different for lots of us in the last 20 years.
What advice do you have for commissioners and judges?
Be honest with the public and your co-workers. Sam Seale always said, “It takes three on commissioners court to pass anything.”
What are your plans after retirement?
Enjoy life and play more golf.
Limestone County Judge Elenor Holmes
My tenure began on Jan. 1, 1995, and will end Dec. 31, 2006. When I unlocked the door of my office, all of the ceiling tile was in the floor. There was a leak in a bathroom upstairs. As the first female county judge, it was only fitting that it was the men’s restroom. So things could only go up from there, and they did. My experience includes: 12 years, member of Heart of Texas Council of Governments; 1987