Happy October, everyone! I sure hope the weather starts cooling off somewhat. It’s been a bit warm, and I am looking forward to coolness in the air soon. Well, hope everyone got through budget workshops okay. Surprisingly, it was actually pretty calm in Hays County this year; we even ended up with a slight decrease in our tax rate, which makes two years in a row we have been able to accomplish this. Even so, it is always nice to
get budgets behind us. Let’s hope elections go as smoothly for those of us who are running.
I would like to thank the entire staff at the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), along with President Connie Hickman, Navarro County justice of the peace, for the wonderful conference they conducted in August. This is a conference where all elected officials have an opportunity to come together, learn, and participate in their specific areas of service while having the opportunity to receive their continuing education credits. There were many in attendance, and TAC did a wonderful job of providing great educational sessions, camaraderie, and as always, plenty of delicious food and fun. The session dedicated to county judges and commissioners was very informative and interactive. There were many issues discussed such as the 1115 Waiver, indigent defense, county jail issues and more. Our general counsel, Jim Allison, did an outstanding job, as always, in providing answers and making recommendations to help make our jobs and decisions much easier. Additionally, we discussed the need to be prepared and ready to address our legislators in the coming year. There will be many newly elected representatives who will need to become aware and understand our issues. We will need your help, so I ask that we all be ready and prepared when called upon!
Recently, the Hays County Commissioners Court had the great honor and privilege of issuing a proclamation supporting the Capitol of Texas Vietnam War Monument that is planned for the grounds of the Texas Capitol. The monument was authorized by the Texas Legislature and will be built by private donations to honor the more than half-million Texans who served in the Vietnam War. This war represents the longest period of sustained military engagement in U.S. history. Twelve Texas Vietnam veterans received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor. Unfortunately, more than 3,400 Texans were killed in the war, and some 10,000 were wounded. The proclamation encourages all our citizens to honor and remember the deeds of a group of veterans who served selflessly and fought courageously, and to support the measure authorizing the construction of the monument. During my time as an officer and president of our State Association, I have had the privilege of meeting several individuals who served in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, most stories and memories that have been shared are ones of sadness and discouragement, especially when it comes to the way they were treated once back in the states. I, for one, would like to declare my sincere thanks and appreciation to any and all members of our Association who served in the Vietnam War. You are truly a hero in my eyes!
Thank you for your service, and God Bless You.
