fresh appreciation

Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives, giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Taylor County Commissioner Chuck Statler for taking the time to visit with us.

HISTORY:

Watching my dad serve the needs of his customers shaped my view of work as an opportunity to serve. “Speedy” Statler owned Stephens County’s favorite television shop. Back in the early 1970s, delivering a family’s first TV was a big deal.

At Breckenridge High, it was letters in football, track, drama, and speech, followed by Cisco College and Tarleton State, then service in the U.S. Army as an MP. After military service, I got my first taste of what is a life-long love of broadcasting when KSTB Radio called me to join their team and serve my hometown’s listening audience.

After a blind date, I married Sherri Todd, and we began a life of service in Abilene that included church, Rotary, the chamber of commerce, and working with some of West Texas’ finest businesses as a KTAB TV advertising sales associate. During that time, I served two terms as the president of the National Association of Chamber Ambassadors.

In 1997, several advertising clients learned a respected Taylor County Commissioner planned to retire. They encouraged me to run. Hesitant, I eventually agreed, because the job was another opportunity to serve.

It’s been a privilege every day since 1998. It’s also resulted in me serving as second vice president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, a member of the CJCAT Commissioners Education Committee, and past president of the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association.

As Commissioner, I serve on teams that are improving the efficiency of county government services such as the West Texas Regional Task Force for Public Defense, Capital Murder Cases Oversight Committee; the Abilene/Taylor County Mental Health Jail Diversion Task Force; the Leadership Foundation Board; the Abilene/Taylor County Venue Tax Board; the Taylor County History Center Executive Board; and the West Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee.

When not serving the county, you’ll find me broadcasting the play-by-play of high school football, basketball, baseball, and softball, or in the stands cheering on our daughter, Caroline, a four-year varsity tennis player at Abilene Cooper High School.

TYPICAL DAY:

A typical day starts early with the road crew. We discuss current and future projects, safety, and equipment maintenance. The Precinct 4 crew is a dedicated team of public servants, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.

After that, it’s to the courthouse for administrative work which often includes calls to constituents, vendor negotiations, visiting with other county officials, paying bills, and meetings regarding county business and community projects.

A typical day ends at the county barn with the crew and the precinct foreman to debrief, resolve issues, and prepare so that next day is also productive.

IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?

Being Commissioner is better than expected! Some days it’s improving a drainage issue for a single property owner. Other days, it’s working with another governmental entity that results in 100 new jobs. In Taylor County, we also play a small role in national defense because of the location and mission of Dyess Air Force Base.

Every day Taylor County makes a difference in someone’s life. What a privilege to play a small role in making that difference.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE:

Budgets. Determining needs from wants, responding to state mandates, and balancing those with our responsibility to taxpayers is our greatest challenge and responsibility. We succeed because our Commissioners Court is determined to work together.

FAVORITE PART OF BEING A COUNTY COMMISSIONER:

Serving people is the best part of being Taylor County Commissioner. Whether it’s in the country or city, at the grocery store, a ballgame, or at church, having the opportunity to visit face to face with people we serve is a huge advantage for local officials. Our constituents are our neighbors. **

Commissioner Statler serves on the CJCAT County Commissioners Education Committee.

Sherri and Chuck Statler visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, also known as the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, in Washington, D.C.

Former State Rep. Bob Hunter (middle) celebrates his 90th birthday with friends including, from left, current Rep. Stan Lambert, former Speaker Pete Laney, former Rep. Susan King, and Commissioner Chuck Statler.