The Texas Emergency Management Conference was May 26 – May 29

Comments:

I attended the Texas Emergency Management Conference in Ft. Worth this week. It’s the biggest emergency preparedness event in the country, put on by the state. Thousands of people came — emergency managers, first responders, and elected officials like me.

We covered real-world lessons from the Kerrville floods, the risk of EMP attacks on Texas, and the new threat of the New World Screwworm. There were also useful sessions on AI tools in emergency management, how to better communicate with the public during disasters, and the many state and federal grants available to help counties prepare and recover.

As a County Commissioner, it gave me a chance to meet the people I’ll work with during a real disaster, learn about new tools and funding, and bring back practical ideas to make our county safer and better prepared.

These conferences help local leaders like me do a better job protecting our families and communities when emergencies happen.

Although I was unable to attend this week’s Commissioners Court meeting, I’ve carefully reviewed the agenda and supporting documents. There are two items I believe deserve straight talk with you, the taxpayers.

Please note: All agenda items are considered PASSED unless indicated otherwise.

OPEN SESSION:

8. Receive presentation from Fitzpatrick Architects on Courthouse Furnishings and take necessary action to approve the purchase of furniture for the Smith County Courthouse for an amount not to exceed $3,750,000 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

I reviewed the Fitzpatrick Architects presentation and the supporting documentation on the courthouse furniture purchase. While Purchasing did a good job breaking the buy into multiple packages and securing significant discounts through cooperative contracts, I remain concerned about the bigger picture.

Furniture should never have been included in the original bond package. Because it was, taxpayers will now be paying for this furniture over the full 30-year bond term at 4.7% interest. We have more than enough money sitting in reserve funds to pay cash for these items and avoid the long-term interest cost. This decision was made under Judge Moran’s administration when Judge Franklin served as Precinct 1 Commissioner. Once the bond package passed, the Court had no real choice but to approve spending the bond money as designated. That doesn’t mean it was the best use of your tax dollars. I question whether this furniture will even last 30 years. Practical, common-sense East Texas values say we should pay cash for depreciating assets like furniture whenever possible instead of financing them long-term.

10. Consider and take necessary action regarding the request for a Section 312 Tax Abatement Agreement submitted by Derry Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Field Fastener Supply and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

I have strong concerns about the Field Fastener tax abatement. It passed unanimously, of course. I’m disappointed that basic questions were apparently not asked: What is the company’s current financial stability? What specific market indicators support this $2.7 million expansion if they are already successful? And why does a profitable business need taxpayers to subsidize the addition of just 10 new jobs?

I stand firmly with the Texas Republican Party Platform. Principle #9 explicitly states that Republicans oppose government subsidies and special tax breaks for favored companies. Corporate welfare simply shifts the tax burden onto working families and small businesses. Smith County taxpayers should not be asked to grant special treatment for a private company’s expansion. 

Have you seen the Republican Party of Texas’ Platform?

After the Bible and the Constitution, the Texas GOP Platform, Principles, and Priorities are my primary guide. The Texas GOP State Convention is fast approaching, taking place June 8–13. It is the largest and most consequential grassroots Republican gatherings in the country. This is where the Republican Party Platform, Principles, Rules & Legislative Priorities are decided. As a State Delegate, I will be attending to help strengthen our platform, principles, and rules. This gathering brings together Republican delegates from across Texas to craft policies that protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — reflecting the priorities of the taxpayers who participate in the process. 

As a hands-on elected official, I’m committed to rolling up my sleeves and doing the hard work necessary to advance freedom and limit government overreach. Also at the convention, I will spend significant time in committee hearings listening to testimony from everyday Texans. These conversations help me better understand what voters truly care about in 2026.

I will continue fighting for limited government, genuine free enterprise without cronyism, and the responsible stewardship of your hard-earned tax dollars.

ADJOURN