From the President

Tarrant County is proud to host the 86th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference. Not only has the Association put together an informative and educational agenda, but county employees have also arranged a full slate of entertainment for you and your spouse.
As you know, county judges are required to complete 30 credit hours of approved continuing education courses during their first year in office and then 16 credit hours for each subsequent year in office. Meanwhile, commissioners must complete 16 hours the first year and eight hours each subsequent year.
I’m really looking forward to hearing our keynote speaker, State Rep. Fred Hill. Fred has been the best friend county government has had in the Texas Legislature over the past few years. He has carried the standard against unfunded mandates and labored tirelessly to fight against property appraisal caps.
Unfortunately, he has chosen not to run for re-election and will be leaving the Legislature at the end of the year. However, he will be able to provide us with a scouting report of what’s going on in Austin these days and what we can expect next year when the Legislature goes into session. Perhaps he will even give us an idea of who might be able to fill in as the defender of county interests in Texas.
Looking over the agenda for the three-day event, it’s obvious that the Association staff has done an outstanding job of putting together a wide variety of topics to suit the diverse interests of Texas county judges and commissioners. One issue that has impacted many of us here in North Texas recently concerns the regulations and legal issues regarding overweight trucks. Our county has seen substantial road damage due to Barnett Shale drilling operations, and I’m sure overweight trucks are a problem in many other areas of the state, but for different reasons. That’s one program I’m not likely to miss.
Tarrant County staff members have not neglected to find things to fill the time of your spouses. A trip to one of the top five museum districts in the country is scheduled that includes the opportunity to view some rare impressionistic art masterpieces. Another activity is a tour of some of the high-end condos available for sale in downtown Fort Worth. Spouses can take classes, too, on horticulture and food preparation