I Stand With Harvey

To the Editor:

I’ve been closely observing Commissioners Court for sixteen months now, attending (or listening to) virtually all meetings and I’ve had continuous communication with my elected officials and others in government. I can’t even begin to quantify what I have learned in that time, but I would like to share two things in particular.

First, our form of government requires continuous citizen participation. Serving in public office is difficult and often thankless, so God bless anyone willing to run and thank you for your service. Electing good leaders isn’t enough though, we must continuously participate and hold those in government accountable, elected and unelected alike. It’s not enough to be informed and vote, we must be ever vigilant and continuously engaged.

For example, in Commissioners Court, substantial policy decisions are made in heartbeats. Preparation and astute participation are necessary to effectively influence those decisions. Do you have a concern about county government? Talk to your Commissioner regularly and go to Commissioners Court meetings. Newspaper articles, reports and public hearings are essential but often too late to significantly shape important public policy. By then, decisions often have been made, and all that’s left are formalities (and maybe some wailing a gnashing of teeth).

Second, as a result of such participation, we gain a vast knowledge and understanding of what’s going on, both reported and unreported, without having to rely on third-hand accounts. Obviously, better understanding improves confidence, decision making and our ability to effectively influence public policy. The experience of participation can’t be entirely replaced by reading, or even listening, though both alternatives are helpful.

For example, because of my level of participation, I have a familiarity with the year-long series of events that lead to the tension and the heated discussion over courthouse security recently in Commissioners Court that can’t be gleaned from third-hand accounts. I bear witness and I stand with Commissioner Harvey and the other Commissioners. I want to thank them for patiently and persistently performing their oversight duties. Quite frankly, I share their frustration and don’t appreciate the attempt to ignite a political scandal.

I hope to see you in Commissioners Court. Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear.