From the President

The County Judges and Commissioners Association recently received the Partnership Award from Texas Cooperative Extension, as presented by Executive Director Dr. Edward Smith. All Texas counties should be proud of this honor. This recognition of your participation with Extension Agents throughout the state of Texas is one that needs to be continued.
We often hear about the drug problems in schools and problems teachers have with students. We don’t hear enough about the good programs going on, such as 4-H groups sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension. Students working on 4-H projects are less likely to do drugs and more likely to be leaders against drugs. I believe if every student were given 4-H projects, which may or may not include animals, there would be a noted decrease in the drug problem. The 4-H programs are the best.
County Agents throughout the state do outstanding services, and we are proud of them. Their concern and individual actions make everyone aware that we still need their services in many various ways whether we are ranching, farming, business people, or just plain individuals looking for information or solutions.
At the V.G. Young Institute of County Government annual conference in February, representatives from different associations of county officials participated in a general discussion on county issues and strategic planning. This round-table discussion included concerns about past and future legislative actions. The meeting was informative and was hosted by Rick Avery, Stacy Morris, and Kyle Smith of Texas Cooperative Extension. A big THANK YOU to all. The February conference in College Station was one of the best in a long time according to many who attended.
One another note