Every other year, an overlapping of events demonstrates the wide spectrum of responsibilities assigned to members of Commissioners Court.
On April 20-23, 262 County Judges and Commissioners convened in Odessa to earn their required continuing education hours during the 92nd Annual West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Conference. Some of these same officials had just returned from Austin, where they had testified before lawmakers on legislation that could affect county government. Others had plans to travel to Austin the very next week to testify as part of the 87th Texas Legislative Session. The conference also included a class on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, turning officials’ attention to the federal level. Finally, every Judge and Commissioner at the conference was on call, monitoring emails and phone messages from their home county should something require immediate attention.
County Judges and Commissioners stay connected on every level – local, state, and federal – all in the interest of serving their taxpayers. Ector County Judge Debi Hays alluded to the ingenuity and commitment it takes to do the job during her Opening Session greeting: “I want to express my appreciation to the men and women in this room for being in the business of helping people. We have to be inventive, passionate, powerful, strong, creative, and ambitious. Those are the qualities of great leaders.”
Those attending the conference in Ector County were schooled on a wide variety of topics including courthouse security, mental health procedures, road and bridge strategic planning, civil rights issues, purchasing, environmental concerns, redistricting, and working with the legislature.
The keynote speaker offered advice on building relationships, a topic applicable to every public servant regardless of the issue at hand. Dr. Robert Brescia, a teacher with the Ector County Independent School District, cited civility and conflict resolution as essential to connecting with others and providing effective leadership.
“Civility is not a sign of weakness,” Brescia emphasized. He went on to suggest ways to practice civility including respect for the facts, active listening, and accentuating the positive.
Throughout the conference, speakers alluded to the tension surrounding the 87th Legislative Session. However, County Judges and Commissioners are known for practicing civility and showing respect to those in Austin, whether it be meeting with lawmakers personally or testifying before committees.
Jim Allison, general counsel to the County Judges and Commissioners Association, echoed Brescia’s suggestion when it comes to acknowledging the positive.
In the interest of the taxpayers, it is vital that Judges and Commissioners communicate to lawmakers and staff how problematic legislation will affect their counties, Allison emphasized during a panel presentation on the Legislature. It is also productive to highlight the bills that support counties and local decision-making.
“Let them know when they do something that helps us,” Allison advised, “and keep communicating on the issues that may hurt us.”
During the Installation Luncheon, incoming West Texas Association President Glen Whitley, Tarrant County Judge, offered a similar message, first citing the helping and humble nature of local elected officials.
“People elected you because they trust you,” Whitley shared, “and they respect you. You are where the rubber meets the road, and most of the time, you built the road!”
He encouraged the audience to be diligent in sharing the county message with legislators, complimenting them when they have taken positive action and communicating with them when help is needed.
By Julie Anderson, Editor