Report From the General Counsel

Progress and Preparation
This has been a year of progress and
preparation at the State Association. Under the direction of President Bobby
Smith and the officers and executive committee, several important projects have
moved forward. We have also begun preparation for the significant challenges
ahead.
With the assistance of the Texas Association
of Counties, the State Association has launched a Web site for commissioners
court members. Located at CJCAT.org, this site will provide information
concerning the County Judges
and Commissioners Association of Texas and its activities. During the legislative
session, it will host regular bulletins on legislative issues. This addition
will enhance our ability to communicate our message and information to our members
and others.
The V.G. Young Institute of County Government
has developed the curriculum for a Commissioners
Court Leadership
Academy. With the assistance of
the State Association, V.G. Young will admit an initial class of 24 commissioners
court members to this exciting new program in April. Designed to provide advanced
leadership training and opportunities, this program will incorporate academic
teaching with practical intergovernmental experiences. Look for additional
information on this program from the V.G. Young Institute.
Finally, under the leadership of the
state officers and your legislative chairman, we have been preparing for another
challenging legislative session. Unfunded mandates and state budget shortfalls will continue to head a list of critical issues.
Analysis of these important issues will continue in this column as they develop.
For more information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.