As part of our series of Welcome articles for our newly elected officials, we invited retired Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton with two decades of experience to share her Words of Wisdom.
As you look back on your years of service, what is one of the most valuable lessons you learned?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from serving first as Tyler City Councilwoman and then County Commissioner is the following: Although sometimes I may not agree with the popular opinion, I have to do what is best for the community. I always strived to serve my community with integrity and be trusted by my constituents.
What is the best way for members of Commissioners Court to connect with other officials in the courthouse?
Some of the best ways to connect with other county officials are becoming familiar with their duties by attending available training, getting to know their employees, being involved in budgeting, and recognizing years of service. Our Commissioners Court holds employee appreciation luncheons for the county employees every year during National County Government Month and at Christmas. It is also always good to set aside time to talk with department heads to figure out ways to solve any pressing matters together.
How did you connect with your constituents?
I connected with my constituents in many ways. Some of those included attending community events, holding town hall meetings, engaging with others through social media, and being available for questions and/or concerns.
What is the biggest challenge you faced in office, and how did you navigate that challenge?
Two of the biggest challenges I faced as County Commissioner were going through the process of getting a new jail built after several bond elections failed, as well as making decisions regarding our county during COVID-19. The decision to “shut down” the community during this time resulted in many unhappy citizens. We remained available to take phone calls and answer the questions of concerned citizens. I also made it a priority to host COVID vaccine clinics through churches. This was a difficult time for everyone, but making decisions and doing what was best for the entire community took precedence. We worked together to come up with the best possible way to serve our county during this time, and we learned a lot as elected officials.
In closing, what was your most rewarding experience?
I’ve been blessed during my years as Commissioner. Watching how Smith County has grown and changed over the last 20 years has been a very rewarding experience for me. As the first elected African American woman to serve as a Smith County Commissioner, I have spent my years helping others and empowering women to break glass ceilings. It is more about motivating others than being “the first.” It has been a rewarding experience to listen to the citizens of Smith County and to serve the community to the best of my ability.