South Texas Conference Report
More than 200 County Judges and Commissioners convened in Corpus Christi June 2-5 for the South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association 91st Annual Conference. From the Keynote Address through the Closing General Session, the theme of service was a constant.
Selfless Service
Retired Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Greg Stube shared his inspirational story during the Opening General Session. Stube spent 19 of his 23 years in the U.S. Army as a member of the Green Berets. He was seriously wounded during Operation Medusa in Afghanistan in September 2006.
“If I didn’t surrender to a better definition of service, selfless service, I wasn’t going to survive,” Stube summarized, as he spoke of those he trained and those he served alongside.
Many other lessons learned can be applied to government service, he continued, “as you help make Texas what it is supposed to be.”
- Sometimes we need to get out of our own way to make a difference.
- When one of your team gets hurt, please don’t let that be the first moment that you have ever recognized that person.
- Talk to each other about what matters. Propel each other forward.
Respectful Service
“Our Commissioners Court meetings are at the heart of county government,” said Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller, a past president of both the South Texas and State associations. Zeller’s presentation on Effective Meetings included advice on interacting with fellow officials and with the public.
“The respect and courtesy that you show one another during the meetings serve as an example to the public,” Zeller observed.
Taking the time to read the agenda and related documents before the meeting begins will help when it comes to respecting and valuing the time of others, he continued.
“Meeting preparation is key,” Zeller emphasized. Organization and discretion will contribute to a smooth process, a benefit to both officials and public participants, and will help earn the respect of the community.
Collaborative Service
State Sen. Adam Hinojosa and State Rep. Todd Hunter thanked county officials for their daily service and for their engagement during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.
“We work for you,” Hinojosa declared, pointing to the audience. “We want to make sure that you remain fully engaged because we work for you,” he repeated for emphasis.
Hunter began his commentary with a recognition of every County Commissioners Court in the audience that serves in his district.
As each County Judge and Commissioner stood, Hunter recalled a personal detail about their interaction, demonstrating the value of collaborative service.
“This is what it is about,” Hunter shared as the last of his officials were seated. “When we know each other, when we work together, we can get things done!”