In this month’s sneak peek of NACo’s County Government Month, I couldn’t help but appreciate their theme: ForwardTogether. It’s akin to TAC’s mantra, #254Strong. But what does this really mean? How does this play out? How are we Better Together?
Well, not to overcomplicate the message, but aren’t we all better together when we are standing strong and united, moving forward in unison? Whether in our own counties, which we know are as individual as our kids, but times 254, or our states, times 50, the more we can move forward in concert, the better.
Speaking of concert (and I LOVE concerts, so this is a great analogy) let’s think of the music made by the band. Each member has a different specialty…their instrument…and each has a part…much like each elected official in a county has a job, a specialty, and a passion for that role. Alone, we are just one role, and incomplete. But together, we are a team, we are the band, and the music produced can be nothing short of brilliant and amazing! At home, working with our constituents, these roles are highlighted and celebrated. We understand our jobs, and we perform them with passion and integrity.
But what about in our work, advocacy, and communication with the legislature? Well, each member of the band is going to have different music to play. Each elected is going to have different priorities and different approaches. As a County Judge or County Commissioner, I don’t expect you to be in the weeds of what a county clerk, JP, or sheriff does on a day-to-day basis, but we need to at least be familiar with their place in the band and appreciate their work and how legislation can affect that. At the end of the day, it’s the same people, our citizens, we all represent who are ultimately affected by the work and whims of the legislature.
Have you participated in the Tuesday morning legislative breakfast meetings during the sessions? If not, I would highly encourage you to do so. If you’re in Austin, you can catch them in person, or if you’re still enjoying your morning coffee and getting ready for your day, the online option is great, too. It’s a great place to learn and understand the urgent issues and the priorities of each of our elected officials through their affiliate organizations, and also take part in the lively discussion between the rurals and urbans, to ensure the best outcomes for all of us. The more we understand those things, the more we can advocate for each other. The more we advocate with and for each other, the less we are at odds. The better we move ForwardTogether, and are 254Strong, the more we are in concert, and the music can be beautiful.
