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 Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney for taking the time to visit with us.
YOUR HISTORY: I am 54 years old. My family includes my wife, Ashley; my four children, Krysta (32), Clay (27), Averie (9), and Connor (6); and my grandchildren, Rowan (3), and Astrid (1). I was raised in Eustace, Texas, where my family has had a presence for 130 years. I have an agricultural background including cattle and hay operations. I was first employed by the county as a road hand. I was hired Oct. 3, 1994, by Pct. 2 Commissioner Harold Hammer. I was elected as Pct. 2 Commissioner in 1998 and served 20 years in that position, from 1999-2018. I was elected County Judge in 2018. I have held positions on various boards, commissions, and committees associated with county, regional, and state government. My adult professional life has been in the service of Henderson County.
IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED? That is a funny question. “Is it what I expected?” Yes and no. My extensive experience with the operations and complexities of county government does allow someone like myself many advantages over someone stepping into these positions fresh off the street. Holding an elected county position is much like an apprenticeship program; the nuances of the responsibilities and authorities within each elected office take time to learn. The most common misconception of County Judges and Commissioners is that they are the individuals with all the authority. Sure, there are individual authorities vested in each office, but those are tailored to fit very specific purposes. The real authority lies in building a consensus among your peers and relationships that encourages cooperation, dedication, and teamwork.
TYPICAL DAY: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a County Judge or Commissioner is that every day there is something new waiting to meet you. A constitutional County Judge is a very unique position. It is the only elected position in the nation that has responsibilities of all three branches of government. The Judicial Branch is obvious, with jurisdictions in both civil and criminal proceedings. In the Legislative Branch, we have the budgetary, contractual, and policy-setting authorities that are vested within Commissioners Court. The Executive Branch comes with the responsibilities of being the chief elected administrative official of the county. It is honestly something new every morning, and I try to get at least two cups of coffee down before 8 a.m. each day!
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge is telling the county story to the general public and educating them on the designed limitations placed upon county authorities. Life is busy, and most do not interact with counties in a way that promotes understanding of the scope of responsibilities. Counties do the impossible with the least of everything and do not receive the credit they deserve due to this “lack of educating the public.” Have the courage to tell the county story and promote what you do every day.
YOU HAVE THE UNIQUE BACKGROUND OF FIRST SERVING AS A COMMISSIONER. HOW HAS THAT EXPERIENCE FACTORED INTO YOUR ROLE AS COUNTY JUDGE? Being both employee and Commissioner prior to becoming County Judge provides me with a unique perspective. County employees implement policies and procedures while dealing directly with the general public, under sometimes the worst of circumstances. Their role in and dedication to the county organization cannot be overstated and should be respected. As a Commissioner, I had the opportunity to work with four different County Judges, each one with different strengths and weaknesses. I learned something from each one and have implemented those strategies that were successful. I have also made it a point to apologize for a few of my biases in the past. County government, and especially Commissioners Court, is a team effort, and after serving as the swing vote for eight years as Commissioner, I strive to promote understanding on both sides of an issue.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? I’m a policy wonk. I always have been and usually end up in the middle of the sausage-making process on any issue. I actually love budget season with the weeks-long discussions that are required to conclude the setting of the annual budget. Working through complex and sometimes emotional issues day after day helps to form deep personal bonds with those you work with, and I have been blessed to work with some of the best.