When did you take office?
I took office as County Judge for Cass County on Jan. 1, 2015. Prior to becoming County Judge, I served as District Clerk for seven terms beginning Jan. 1, 1987.
As “they” say, hindsight is 20/20. As you look back on your years of service, what are some of the most valuable lessons you learned?
Looking back at my nine terms in elected office, the most valuable lessons are not really lessons but are practices. While I learned many things, the most important takeaways are the following.
- Do the right thing. It may go against the opinions of some, but despite those opinions, do it anyway.
- Always practice integrity. Do the right thing even if no one is looking.
- Always make decisions that benefit future generations.
What is the best way for members of Commissioners Court to connect with other officials in the courthouse?
It is important for the court to network with other county officials and to work on projects cooperatively. We recognize that we are not the “Holy Grail” of county government and that we are all equal representatives of our constituents. Also, in Cass County, pre-COVID, we implemented a day in the spring/summer for all employees and officials to gather for lunch and fun activities. In the fall, we would come together to recognize those who have tenured, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc. We are working our way back into those special days this year.
How do you connect with your constituents?
Connecting with constituents should be a routine aspect of daily life. Making yourself available to your constituents through public engagements as well as personal meetings is particularly important. The internet and social media have made connecting with our constituents instantaneous and easier which proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far, and how did you navigate that challenge?
Navigating our way through the COVID-19 pandemic was my biggest challenge. Making decisions to protect the well-being of the county residents while respecting their personal freedoms was challenging because we had to do the right thing despite having no perfect answers.
In closing, what has been your most rewarding experience thus far?
There are too numerous rewarding experiences to pick just one. I have been blessed to work with some of the most outstanding people, not only in my county but in in the state, as well. If I were asked to say what I am most proud of, it would have to be that I was the first woman to be elected District Clerk and the first woman to be elected County Judge in my county. That alone has given me immense pride and satisfaction knowing that I have opened doors for the future of women in local government.