Keith Self's Blog

Citizens, there is an exciting year ahead of us.

The budget cycle.

We are starting the yearly budget process. The last Commissioners Court session included a serious discussion about a tax rate decrease compared to a homestead exemption. No decision was reached, but the court asked for more options to be brought before the court on April 29. I look forward to continuing this dialogue on how best to provide property tax relief to our citizens.

The court is also addressing how to set elected officials' salaries. I do not favor delegating that responsibility to a committee. There are discussions during the last two court sessions available for you to familiarize yourself with the issue at the link to the webcast of Commissioners Court sessions on March 26 and April 15 at http://collin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

Collin County adds a new District Court on January 1, 2009, which will ease the backlogs on the felony courts. Collin County will fund a major portion of this new court’s costs.

Legislative session.

We are preparing to participate in the 2009 legislative session in order to advocate for Collin County interests. We are following the progress of various Interim Study Charges in both the Texas House and Senate where our interests are being discussed prior to the start of the legislative session. Transportation funding process looks to be a priority issue for the next session.

Transportation.

Transportation funding continues to generate lively debate at the regional and state levels. The Collin County transportation funding available from the SH 121 agreement is very much involved in the regional discussions and the Commissioners Court will discuss a draft resolution on April 29 that encourages the region to abide by that agreement with respect to SH 121 funds distribution.

I will attend the Transportation Forum in Austin this week in order to better understand the future of Texas transportation funding.

There are challenges ahead this year, but that is what makes life interesting. Let's all embrace meeting the challenges as a way to make a difference in Collin County. Be involved; educate yourself using the webcast of Commissioners Court meetings, and we will all be able to better provide core county government functions to our citizens.

It continues to be a great honor to serve as your County Judge.

Sincerely,
Keith

1. The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Todd Staples, hosted the 33rd Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony in Austin on Friday. The Family Farm Heritage program pays tribute to Texas farmers and ranchers who have maintained ownership and agricultural production in the same family for a century or more.

I attended because three Collin County farms were recognized; the Collinsbrook Farm for 150 years and the Gantt-McMahan Farm and the McDonald Farm for 100 years. Forwarding the Family Farm Heritage applications to the Department of Agriculture is one of my most fun duties. I love to meet the owners and to ask about their experiences. They remind me of the section of land that my family homesteaded in 1907 in the panhandle.

During his remarks, the Governor Perry graciously recognized Jackie McMahan, who was representing the Gantt-McMahan Farm.

2. The budget cycle will begin soon. I am pleased at the amount of discussion about cutting spending in government - from the earmarks discussion in the U.S. Congress - to the efforts starting in the Texas Legislature to buy down more property taxes - to the plentiful campaign discussions about lowering taxes and cutting spending in the county budget. It is about time that this discussion had a full day in court. Stay tuned as the budget cycle unfolds. I will continue to work to honor my commitment to you to lower your taxes and control spending.

There is a direct link between low taxes/limited government and increased freedom. As I report the progress of the budget cycle, I will put that direct relationship between the size and scope of the government and your freedom into perspective. This is not simply an argument between competing political views, it bears directly on your freedom to live your life as you choose and spend your money as you choose.

3. I continue to get good feedback on the webcasting of the commissioners court meetings. You can find it right now at http://collin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2 and watch the session of your choice.

Sincerely,
Keith