Contact, Connect, Communicate
From the opening session through the final day, officials at the South Texas Conference were encouraged to strengthen their connections both at home and in Austin, whether it be visiting with their elections administrator to discuss challenges or calling on lawmakers to address proposed legislation.
“Do not underestimate how important you are in steering this state,” emphasized State Rep. Terry Canales
Some 270 members of Commissioners Court convened in Corpus Christi June 13-16 for the 88th Annual South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Conference.
“You are at the helm of the ship,” Canales observed during his keynote address. “All politics are local. People like me listen to you. You need to focus on making sure that people like me are focused on the things that matter to you.”
Country Weidler, deputy chief with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and Keith Ingram, elections division director with the Office of the Texas Secretary of State, were the next two at the podium, and their messages also called for contact and communication.
“Every day is recovery day,” Weidler said. “I am the response guy. We want you to call us.”
Ingram provided a legislative update on voting-related issues and spoke to the intensity of the work in the elections department.
“I don’t know if you all spend a lot of time with your county elections officials, but you should,” Ingram urged.
Jim Allison, general counsel for the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, suggested a close and continual connection with the jail.
The sheriff is responsible for the operations of the jail, and the Commissioners Court is responsible for the budget, Allison explained.
“Go the extra mile and step in and build relationships,” he advised. “In many counties, one-half of the budget, sometimes more, is spent on the jail.”
Later in the conference, a panel made up of three County Commissioners highlighted the importance of sharing details on road activity.
“I let my folks know what I am doing,” emphasized Atascosa County Commissioner Mark Gillespie.
“Always return your calls and answer messages,” added Calhoun County Commissioner Mark Hall. “Communication is key.”
“I am huge on communication,” Comal County Commissioner Jen Crownover echoed.
The closing session featured several state lawmakers who drove the point home.