Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Carson County Commissioner Kevin Howell for taking the time to visit with us.
YOUR HISTORY:
I was born to Charles and Ruby Howell and raised on a milo, cotton, and sugar beet farm in Friona, Parmer County. My mother was the strongest influence in my life – the church pianist, a Sunday school teacher, and the hardest-working lady I ever knew. Her love of music had a strong, strong effect on me as a boy; now as an adult, I have been involved in music ministry in one form or another for most of my life. I’ve been a congregational music leader in two churches and interim leader at several others. I was in a Southern gospel quartet that became famous enough to do a three-county tour. Singing in choirs brings me great joy. I have officiated and sung for numerous family and friends’ memorial services, which is always hard but rewarding.
My dad loved farming. He had a strong work ethic; I, on the other hand, enjoyed chasing whirlwinds and tumbleweeds while my mom was trying to keep me hoeing. I still don’t like hoeing! When Dad quit farming, we moved to Drumright, Oklahoma, where I finished my junior and senior years of high school. Dad sold out after three years and moved back to Texas, where we opened an International Harvester dealership in 1973 in Panhandle, Texas.
I went to work in the oil patch until I suffered a severe hand injury. After moving back to Panhandle, I met my wife, Karla. I worked for Dad and my brother as a mechanic until 1982. My dad was elected mayor of Panhandle for one term, and he also ran for County Judge.
Karla and I moved to White Deer, Texas, in 1978 with our son, Jason. My wife taught in the White Deer/Skellytown school system for 13 years. In 1979, our daughter, Kerri, was born.
Karla received her counselor certification and was a school counselor in Fritch and Pampa. She retired after 32 years in public schools and then taught at a Christian school for six more years.
I worked for K&K Construction before starting my own backhoe business. My father-in-law was a stock contractor, and we put on many team ropings and steer trippings. I learned to rope, and my wife was a barrel racer.
In 1988, two boys ages 2½ and 1½ came to be a part of our family, and we adopted them about a year later. Brandon and Blake were officially ours!
Our oldest son, Jason, is currently head of the Panhandle Area Public Defender Office serving seven counties. He was a Spanish teacher and received his master’s degree in Spanish literature before going back and getting his law degree. Jason continued teaching while going to school. He became an assistant district attorney in Galveston. Jason, his wife, Lindy, and their three kids later moved to Canyon, where he began work in the Potter County District Attorney’s Office before moving on to lead the regional public defender’s office. Lindy teaches in Hereford.
Kerri graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in agricultural communications. After working in the corporate world for many years, God led her to Alaska where she worked for a Christian service organization. After two years, Kerri went to serve with Love Alaska, an organization that helps sex-trafficked victims out of those horrid circumstances and on to begin a better life. She is now serving as youth minister for Kaleo Church in Anchorage.
Our third child, Brandon, was in the Army and spent two foreign tours in South Korea and Iraq. He was honorably discharged after four years of service. He has four children with his wife, Amie, and they live in White Deer. Although a disabled veteran, Brandon has started a company, 101st Turf, that lays, cleans, and repairs artificial turf on high school and collegiate athletic fields.
Blake, our fourth, is a successful small business owner of 2nd to None Awards, selling belt buckles, wallets, and other trophy goods that he designs for the livestock industry and Western wear businesses. He recently married Eden, the daughter of a retired Texas Ranger, and they reside in Cleburne, Texas.
My dad raised pigs, and I showed steers and pigs as a youth. That desire to raise animals is still a part of me. I have raised show pigs for over 30 years. I love kids, and working with kids on animal projects is a ministry for me. The animals I sell to them open doors to minister and love on them. We have been blessed with show winnings. Last year alone we raised 13 breed and reserve breed champion county show pigs, including grand champion pigs in Gray County. Many of the kids also had high placings at major shows in San Angelo and Kerrville.
In 1990, I first ran for office. I lost. God showed me that I had been depending on myself and not Him. Four years later, my mind and heart were more focused on Him and His direction in my life. We won that election. God is good and knew I had lessons to learn before He provided the job I felt He had led me to run for. I tried to run my backhoe business and lead the precinct, but I soon learned the problems I had inherited in my precinct. I parked my backhoe and have been a full-time Commissioner ever since.
I enjoy doing projects from start to finish. During my time as Commissioner, we built a new law enforcement center, war memorial building, branch library, and 10 Commandments Monument. We have renovated our livestock show facility, adding a larger kitchen and handicap-accessible restrooms. We assist the Carson County Square House Museum with some salary and insurance needs, as well.
I served as vice president, treasurer, and president of the Panhandle County Judges and Commissioners Association, and I was awarded a Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum Completion Certification from the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas.
In the last few years, I have put together a crew that, I believe, is second to none. They are conscientious and care about the equipment and roads we oversee. We have a strong conservative court, and I’m blessed to be a part of it. At the end of this term, I will have been in office for 32 years. I am grateful for the faith the citizens have put in me.
IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?
Yes. Being in the oil field and dirt work gave me an understanding of road construction and drainage issues. Working with the public, in my backhoe business, and as a church leader taught me how to communicate.
No. I was surprised at how much state and federal governments were controlling our budget. Unfunded mandates have grown exponentially. Voters often have expectations that can’t be met by elected officials. Dealing with personnel is always challenging.
TYPICAL DAY:
We work a four-day week. Our county does not have a unified road system. Each Commissioner is responsible for the roads in his precinct. I have 170 miles of rural roads in my precinct. I visit with my men about projects and goals for the day and week ahead. I help move equipment, if needed, and check on progress of projects. It’s amazing how things can change in an instant. Fire season can change our day at any moment. Adapting to changes in the weather can be a challenge. Communicating with my team, explaining my vision for projects and how to achieve those visions, has improved through the years.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE:
I have two big challenges. One is helping my constituents understand what we do with their tax dollars – the benefits they receive and how far we stretch what they give us.
The other big challenge is budgets. My least favorite time of year is preparing and approving the county budget. Raises? No raises? Pleasing all is impossible, but as a Commissioner I try to be fair to all of our employees. Trying to help volunteer emergency management services, fire, cities, and nonprofits is a challenge.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A COUNTY COMMISSIONER?
It is hard to narrow it down to one favorite thing. I like interacting with the public, letting them voice concerns, and answering questions. Being able to interact with my fellow Commissioners and Judge to see how they do things is always good. This job allows me to work with and interact with our Future Farmers of America and 4-H kids. I love running equipment. There were times as Commissioner when I was the main equipment operator. Through the years, I have trained four men on equipment operation. Currently, I have a crew that I can trust to do any and all jobs that I give them. Finally, as a Commissioner I enjoy being able to see projects completed and having people stop my men and me to tell us they appreciate what we did.
