BEING FRESHLY BACK from this summer’s NACo annual conference in Chicago, I’m compelled to reflect on what I saw and the impact Texans have on our national organization. We were most fortunate this year to have four excellent candidates for NACo’s Second Vice President, the position that eventually “graduates” into the presidency of the organization. All four individuals visited with our caucus and each had supporters among our delegates. Texas, however, has a long tradition of voting as a unit to maximize our impact. I can’t tell you how proud I am of our delegation. They took the time to be sure that all voices were heard and in the end, Texas’ 364 votes went to Sonoma County Supervisor Valerie Brown of California, who later won the election. With a field of candidates like we had this year, the decision was a tough choice but every member of the delegation can be proud that Texas’ strong voice was heard.

Three Texans were presented with significant awards at the conference. We were all pleased that Harris County Judge Robert Eckels was named “2006 County Leader of the Year” by American City & County magazine for his efforts in leading his county’s and the Houston region’s response to the dual disasters of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita last fall. To his credit, Judge Eckels was gracious in acknowledging that the region’s sterling response to these crises was a responsibility that could be shared by multiple local officials. Nevertheless, it was Judge Eckels himself who rightfully earned the honor.

In addition, Ellis County Judge Chad Adams and County Court at Law Judge Bob Carroll jointly received one of three 2006 County Courthouse Awards in the Suburban County category for their leadership to help at-risk children in Ellis County. Their Early Intervention Services program, which also received a TAC Leadership Foundation Best Practices Award last year, was designed to speed up the process of moving children from child protective services and foster care into permanent homes. County Courthouse Award winners received a $5,000 college scholarship to present to a graduating high school senior of their choice.

Our NACo board members, Tarrant County Commissioner Glen Whitley and Yoakum County Judge Dallas Brewer, will be joined by a new board member from Texas. Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Brooks received a special appointment to the NACo Board from incoming NACo President Colleen Landkamer. And Texas is also blessed to have two active NACo past presidents in Dallas County Commissioner Ken Mayfield and former Commissioner Roy Orr, also of Dallas.

There was quite a bit of buzz at the conference about NACo’s Prescription Drug Discount Card program, which is now in place in 400 counties nationwide with 500 more getting ready to launch the program. The program offers discounts of up to 22 percent and is an excellent benefit counties can give to uninsured residents at no cost. I learned that many counties are even finding the program to be of benefit in reducing medical costs in their jails. The 21 Texas counties that have signed up so far have raved about its benefits, but keep in mind, the county must be a NACo member to participate. Speaking of which, only 120 of our 254 counties are NACo members and that’s a number that I believe should be increased. Think about the NACo officer election that I mentioned in the first paragraph - 364 votes from Texas. If all our counties were dues-paying members, Texas’ influence on the only national organization representing the interest of counties would be increased substantially. As budgets are considered this summer, the quite nominal NACo dues request should be considered a long-term investment in the future of county government nationwide. Only by banding together can counties have the support they deserve in our national capitol.