As Parmer County Commissioner and this year’s president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, I am especially excited to welcome April as County Government Month. This month gives us a meaningful opportunity not just to recognize the work we do, but to actively celebrate it and share it with the people we serve and lead.
County government is often described as the “arm of the state,” but it is also the level of government closest to the people. We see our constituents at the grocery store, at church, and at Friday night ballgames. We answer questions in person, on the phone, and in the hallway of the courthouse. County government is personal, practical, and present in everyday life. And yet, the true impact of county leadership extends well beyond the courthouse walls.
Strong county leadership is not confined to agenda items and court sessions. It reaches into our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and civic organizations. It means being visible and accessible. It means stepping forward to explain how decisions are made, how budgets are built, and how state mandates are carried out at the local level. It means making sure our communities understand not only what we do, but why it matters.
Many Texans may not realize how often they interact with county services. We maintain roads and bridges that connect our communities. We operate courts that uphold justice. We administer elections that protect the integrity of the vote. We preserve vital records, coordinate emergency response, and deliver a wide range of essential services. When disaster strikes, when property changes hands, or when citizens go to the polls, county government is there. That is exactly why April should be more than a simple recognition; it should be a celebration.
County Government Month is a perfect time for each of us to open our doors and tell the county story. I strongly encourage counties across Texas to host courthouse open houses, recognize employees during Commissioners Court, and spotlight departments on social media. Personal engagement creates lasting understanding.
I would especially encourage outreach to community groups and schools. Offer to speak to a civic club about how county government works. Invite a government class to tour the courthouse and meet department heads. Many students, and adults, have never had the opportunity to see firsthand how county government functions. When we take time to share that knowledge, we strengthen trust, promote civic education, and inspire future public servants to lead.
This month also gives us an opportunity to recognize the dedicated public servants who make county government work every day. From road crews to clerks, from deputies to administrative staff, our employees serve with professionalism and integrity. Celebrating County Government Month means celebrating them.
April is our time to lead beyond the courthouse, engage our communities, educate our neighbors, open our doors, and proudly showcase the essential role counties play in keeping Texas strong today and for generations to come.