Throughout the North & East Texas Annual Conference, President Roger Harmon referenced the meeting’s theme, “Vision for the Future.”
“The people of our community elected us to be leaders,” Harmon told the 150-plus officials convened in Waco June 16-19. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” said Harmon, Johnson County judge.
During the conference, the North & East Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association took great strides to plan for the continued protection and betterment of county government, passing 23 resolutions and installing officers to lead the 69-member organization.
Educational classes were designed to equip officials in key areas, with topics ranging from ethics, guardianship and jail overcrowding to economic development, wildfire preparation and physical and mental health issues. Johnson encouraged officials to take this knowledge home and work as a cohesive court to envision and plan for the success of their counties.
Economic Planning
A variety of factors have climaxed in an economic storm, said Kent Gilbreath, Ph.D., professor of economics at Baylor University. Gilbreath tracked the recent rise in personal debt and mortgages along with fluctuating personal income and decrease in personal savings, which have culminated in a sobering economic climate complicated with a recent rise in oil and food prices.
“As planners and stewards, county government leaders can help by making good decisions,” Gilbreath said.
Legislative Planning
When visiting senators and representatives, “be prepared,” said Carey Boethel, legislative director with the Texas Association of Counties (TAC). Plan a message in advanced