From the President
I would like to open my first column as president by thanking San Patricio County Judge Terry Simpson for his excellent example of leadership and loyalty as our CJCAT president. Our Association was very fortunate to have Judge Simpson leap in and take over the presidency after the resignation of Lee County Judge Evan Gonzales. I am looking forward to a year of hard work with Oldham County Judge Don Allred, Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, and Judge Simpson.
On behalf of the State Association, I would like to acknowledge Tarrant County Commissioner J. D. Johnson as last year’s immediate past president. He has contributed many years to our Association with his time, talent and experience. Thank you, J.D.
The 87th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference in Corpus Christi Oct. 5th-8th was very successful. The education, speakers, exhibitors, meals and events all were outstanding. A special thank you to Nueces County for a wonderful Host Court Night. The attendees enjoyed the Old Time County Fair, food, fellowship, and the entertainment provided at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. The Omni hotel did a wonderful job. As always, the TAC staff and County Progress staff did a great job, as well!
Also, the Association always appreciates the time, effort and expense the exhibitors and sponsors contribute every year. They provide up-to-date information and technology to better serve our taxpayers. Without our exhibitors and sponsors, we would not be able to have these educational conferences. I would like to send my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the 2009 participants.
As we look toward 2010, I believe we will have a very busy year. As your new president I have many exciting plans for our Association and the 88th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference in Waco in October.
I hope to hear from you if there are issues that the Association can address; please let me know of concerns or problems you are facing. I try to keep up with the clips in the newspapers to find out the pulse of the various counties. Also, please let me know of deaths of officials or resignations that may occur in your county.
County government is facing challenges from the economy, and we will have to deal with them in the upcoming year. I feel like we need to be prepared to make some hard decisions. I feel like we need contingency plans in our heads to deal with these concerns before they happen so that we can soften the blow. I believe in tightening your belt quickly.
This is the off year for our legislators, but I can assure you that Jim Allison is monitoring future legislation and will be in contact on future bills that may affect county government. For you counties with oil and gas properties that have been devalued, I can assure you the issue is being discussed.
We in our respective counties in the State of Texas are part of the greatest country in the world, and I would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. I know Christmas is close because they moved the decorations next to the bathing suits a month ago!
I look forward to working with you, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me.