TAC Blog

What originally drew you to public service, and what has kept you committed to it?

My day job, before serving as Tax Assessor-Collector for the citizens of McLennan County, was as a CPA in public practice. Serving on boards and commissions was part of the firm’s outreach or advertising. That’s what got me out and about within the community. My father was a mentor with his service to several organizations so that’s what got me into serving the public. I served on several civic boards locally, statewide and nationally but felt that my time should focus more on benefiting my local community. I served on the Waco Plan Commission before running for Waco City Council. After serving eleven years on the council, I received a call about running for Tax Assessor-Collector. Initially, I thought the idea was crazy, but after further thought, I felt I was uniquely qualified to serve and benefit the community. What keeps me committed to serving is the thought of making a difference for the citizens of the community. Government should be for the people, and being able to serve and offer that benefit is rewarding.

You’re known for wearing a lot of hats, from CPA to public official to musician. How do those different perspectives influence your approach to county government?

My approach to county government is to continually attempt to create a product that can be trusted by the citizens of McLennan County. That product being tax collection and motor vehicle transactions. Each of us goes through life and encounters experiences. Those experiences provide different perspectives that influence our lives or the way that we act and carry out our duties. Wearing different hats, so to speak, allows for those experiences defining those perspectives of service.

As TAC president-elect, what are your top priorities for supporting county officials across Texas over the next few years?

This current year my priority is to support President Cindy in her efforts to promote CIRA. The needs of the Texas Association of Counties change rather rapidly, and time will tell what is needed in the next few years. The primary focus should always be how can we assist our members in providing the best service to their constituents that they can.

Personally, I like to focus on administration and governance within the organization. Focusing on how the board can assist the staff in providing that quality service should be a priority. The staff of TAC is the main delivery mechanism within our association. Educating members, particularly new members, providing support in times of need through risk management, helping individuals through health and employee benefits, and promoting information resources all are important areas.

There are internal and external challenges that affect all areas. That’s why the legislative effort is so important to keep our members informed. All of this promotes the ability for our members to deliver unbelievable customer service. (That’s fundamental #3 for you TAC Way followers.)

You’ve served on numerous boards and committees at the state and national level. How has that shaped your view of collaboration across jurisdictions?

Counties are integral in providing services to our communities. So are cities. The concept of regionalism can benefit all through collaborative efforts. Learning to enhance services rather than duplicating them is an effort we should all embrace. I still serve on the board of the Texas Association of Regional Councils as a past president. That organization does more with less than most state organizations. It has a built-in delivery system through the councils of government throughout the state that could be utilized more.

I also remember serving as the treasurer of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce working with fifty state organizations. Each state had its own needs, similar to having 254 counties with 254 different ways of accomplishing tasks. Or serving as the chairman for the Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the National League of Cities. Working with cities throughout this country regarding revenue enhancement, fighting efforts to preempt the rights of cities, and unfunded mandates, that all operate under different state laws fostered a collaborative environment. This is similar to Wise County Judge and National Association of Counties President J.D. Clark has said about storytelling. Our stories and experiences shape our past and our future.

What advice would you give to newer county officials looking to get involved in organizations like TAC or TACA?

My advice mimics a national advertising campaign, “Just Do It.” Just get involved with your association. We are stronger together, whether it’s the Texas Association of Counties or the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association. Work within your association and your affiliate. Going it alone is difficult and sometimes counterproductive. There is usually someone that has been there, done that. Learn from that person and that will assist you in making your own stories.

What’s something people might not know about the work county officials do every day?

There are numerous county officials working for the benefit of citizens day in and day out. In my own little corner, we take people’s hard-earned money. No one likes to give it up, including me. But that doesn’t mean that the process should be unpleasant. As a tax assessor-collector, I believe we are the front porch of the house of the county. We take it personally, the service we provide. Treat each person, customer, like they are a member of our family.

Now, brotherly love may be different in some households, but in McLennan County we strive to care for each person, customer or fellow coworker. Customer care in addition to customer service. I have one employee who came from the hospitality industry. He refers to our taxpayers as guests. A unique perspective.

We’ve heard you’re a trumpet player. How does music play a role in how you recharge or think creatively?

Yes, I still play. It’s my outlet. I can’t play golf or tennis. Other than civic work, playing my horn keeps me off the street. In my younger days I thought about pursuing it as a career, but after four years on the road, I realized that there’s always someone better, working harder. That’s life in general. There’s always someone working harder than you, so each of us should swear to ourselves to be the best person we can be. I enjoy playing and if someone enjoys listening, then that’s a bonus.

My dad was a tenor sax player, and we would have jam sessions in our home growing up. I was able to play with him for several years. And last year I had the opportunity to perform with my daughter who sings. I enjoy live music, particularly jazz.

If you could give one piece of advice to all Texas county officials, what would it be?

One piece of advice would be not to take advice from me. Instead, be true to yourself, do the right thing always even when nobody is looking, and perform at least one act of kindness each day. And if someone sees you doing it, it doesn’t count. Each of us got into county government for different reasons, but we all share the desire to help our communities.

What’s one thing you wish every Texan understood about county government?

One thing? County government is where many services people use regularly actually are performed. Whether it’s vehicle registration, tax collection, roads outside city limits, elections, law enforcement, property records, and courts. All are largely county responsibilities.

You see, counties can only do what state law specifically allows them to do. Unlike cities, counties have very limited authority. As much as each one of us wants to solve a problem, we often cannot act unless the Texas Legislature has granted us authority and preferably funding to do it.

Understanding that distinction, that we sometimes seem powerful in responsibility but limited in flexibility, would be my one thing.