I would like to share with all of you a great concern, and hopefully a solution. The 86th Legislative Session was an eye-opener with a new vision of local control that is just not acceptable. No matter how long you have been in office, now is the time to reach out to your state representatives and local senators.
Do not be intimidated, for the same people who elected you elected them. Their primary role should be doing what is best for the citizens at home.
We in Johnson County initiated a plan to gather together local city leaders, school superintendents, economic development contacts, and our local media to meet with our state legislators. A representative from the Texas Association of Counties graciously attended to discuss revenue caps, the overlay of districts in our cities, and annexation changes, among other items.
In Johnson County, we have conducted two meetings. On the first occasion the media was invited. The second meeting was a recap of our first meeting for others who did not attend the first. Moving forward we plan to host these meetings at 60- to 90-day intervals leading up to the next legislative session.
We all understand the repercussions that come from decisions that are not thought through until after consequences have been endured. In my opinion, we need to let our state lawmakers know that our Associations, including the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, Texas Association of Counties, Texas Municipal League, Conference of Urban Counties, Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, etc., all provide a vital service for urban counties. Rural counties depend on these Associations daily.
I urge you to take the time to meet as often as you can with city, county, and state representatives leading up to the next session. Be prepared to come to Austin if you feel your legislator is not going to represent your needs.
Simply put, your legislators, my legislators, must understand the importance of the message they need to take from home to Austin.
Protect our Associations.
Respectfully,
Rick Bailey, Johnson County Commissioner
Second Vice President
County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas