As we move into February, I want to highlight an individual who plays a vital role for counties across Texas: CJCAT Program Director Rick Thompson. While many focus on the legislative session once it begins, Rick’s work starts long before the first day at the Capitol. In preparation for the 2025 legislative year, Rick spent countless hours in advance ensuring county officials … [Read more...] about A Voice for Texas Counties
CJCAT
Hope and Faith Overcome Disillusionment and Despair in the New Year
We have often discussed the outsized influence in our system of government of special interest groups funded by wealthy individuals and other entities. We have noted with disgust their unrestrained manipulation of social media to attack dedicated public servants. Using misinformation, innuendo, and outright falsehoods, they attempt to intimidate and undermine independent … [Read more...] about Hope and Faith Overcome Disillusionment and Despair in the New Year
Solving Our Legislative Relationship Problem: A New Year’s Resolution
In the October issue of County Progress, we discussed the deteriorating relationship between counties and the state leadership. Given the constitutional control exercised by the legislature over counties, this is a serious problem needing our attention. As we consider resolutions for the New Year, let’s discuss some suggestions to improve relationships with our … [Read more...] about Solving Our Legislative Relationship Problem: A New Year’s Resolution
Resolution Spotlights
Legislative Interim Ideal Time to Share County Story With State Partners
In his first official remarks as CJCAT President, Parmer County Commissioner Kirk Frye asked his fellow members of Texas Commissioners Courts to join him in a pledge. “We often look at the legislative interim as the ‘off season,’ ” Frye observed following his installation at the October CJCAT Conference. However, when it comes to communicating with state partners, there is … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlights
Resolution Spotlight – Damage to County Roads by Oil and Gas Activity
The Resolutions adopted by the members of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) at the Annual Conference originate among members of Commissioners Courts and serve as the CJCAT Legislative Platform. The spotlight below discusses Damage to County Roads by Oil and Gas Activity The County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program (CTIF) … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight – Damage to County Roads by Oil and Gas Activity