Consistent. Principled. Action.

Transportation IS Economic Development

2010-04-26T07:20:00.001-05:00

Transportation IS economic development in Collin County.

Given that core functions of judiciary, jail, and prosecution are provided; given the great advantages in Collin County - safe streets, relatively low taxes, good schools, inexpensive housing, high education level, and lower unemployment; transportation in and around the county IS economic development.

I agree that we cannot build enough traffic lanes to transport our working population to and from Dallas every day, nor should we. Instead, let's build a transportation network of major roads in and around Collin County that relieves congestion and brings more jobs here to our county. We sit astride the DFW growth corridor, let's continue to lay the foundation for that growth. In fact, the main roads that define the DFW north growth corridor, US 75 and Dallas North Tollway, are both in Collin County.

Transportation IS economic development in Collin County.

There are many issues involved with this - starting with a severe lack of State transportation funding. The bottom line is that while we continue to ask the legislature to reprioritize State transportation funding, we must consider ways to take care of ourselves.

Go to http://collin.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=296 and jump to Item #6 to view our discussion on an emerging outline of one idea on a major future road.

Sincerely,
Keith

The Last Best Hope on Earth

2010-03-29T05:46:00.002-05:00

Friends,

1) The county just received the Gold Leadership Circle Award, the highest award for government transparency from the State Comptroller, Susan Combs. Collin County gained a perfect score on the criteria.

2) I have been quiet during the health care debate, just doing my part as you have. Now that it is law, the eventual outcome depends on the response by citizens to entitlements versus taxes and debt. Will more government handouts trump freedom? Now that the bill is law, you will hear a great deal from politicians who promise "more."

The idea that democracy is fragile, yet strong has been discussed through the centuries.

Thucydides, a Greek historian centuries before Christ, supposedly articulated a general idea of our representative republic form of government somewhat along the lines, "Democracy satisfies best the human thirst for freedom; yet being undisciplined, turbulent, and luxury-seeking, it falls time and again to austere single-minded despotism."

I have been looking at the history of a phrase used by both Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan in reference to the United States, "the last best hope on earth."

In his speech, A Time for Choosing, in 1964, Reagan said, "You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."

Thomas Sowell is a reasoned and calm voice and is a "must read" columnist for me. He is not given to sensationalism. Yet he believes that "the 2010 election may be the last chance to halt the dismantling of America. It can be the point of no return." You can read his entire article at http://townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2010/03/23/a_point_of_no_return . Can the point of no return for our country be only seven months away?

The 2010 election may be our rendezvous with history. The animating contest of freedom continues - we are in the vortex of extraordinary times.

Sincerely,
Keith

Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Inaugural Speech

2010-03-18T06:45:00.002-05:00

Friends, as the long and contentious battle against a staggering loss of national freedom known as health care reform reaches the point of decision, I want to remember the first inaugural speech of Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 20, 1953. It is a great speech, set against the backdrop of World War II and the Korean conflict.

General/President Eisenhower opened with a prayer, then spoke of faith and freedom and sacrifice in the new world in which the United States found herself. Toward the end of the speech, he said, "We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid."

"You can read the entire speech at http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres54.html .

Although the intervening years show that President Eisenhower was too optimistic about the United Nations, he spoke in soaring terms about our own nation,

"We must be willing, individually and as a Nation, to accept whatever sacrifices may be required of us. A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. These basic precepts are not lofty abstractions, far removed from matters of daily living. They are laws of spiritual strength that generate and define our material strength. Patriotism means equipped forces and a prepared citizenry. Moral stamina means more energy and more productivity, on the farm and in the factory. Love of liberty means the guarding of every resource that makes freedom possible - from the sanctity of our families and the wealth of our soil to the genius of our scientists."

"For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid." Let us heed the lessons of history.

Sincerely,
Keith

Let's Keep up the Pace!

2010-02-22T05:45:00.002-06:00

Friends,

Have you already voted? Great! Including the Sunday votes that have not yet been disseminated, over 10,000 votes have probably been cast through the first six days of early voting! The huge number continues to amaze!

Our work is not done.

The large numbers of votes means that many people are concerned about the explosion of government spending at the state and federal levels, they are now awake and energized, and they want to make a difference.

Now is the time to let everyone know that we have reined in government spending in Collin County. Now is the time to influence your networks of friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

I ask that even if you have personally voted, you continue to gather votes for our campaign in this important election. Many elections are won or lost in the last few days, and we will continue to work hard right through Election Day.

If you have some hours available to greet voters as they arrive at polling locations, please let me know. There are many opportunities to simply hold a sign and wave at folks as they pull up. Simple, but effective.

Thank you, each and every one, for your personal efforts on my behalf. You are doing a great job and we are hearing good results. Every vote counts!

Sincerely,
Keith

Early Voting is here!

2010-02-14T19:27:00.001-06:00

Friends, Happy President's Day!

You have read campaign mailers and listened to campaign debates. For those who are working in our campaign, thank you for what you have accomplished. You have worked, you called and walked, you have passed out brochures, you have put out signs, you have talked to your friends. I appreciate every effort - you have been wonderful to work with.

Now is the time to encourage your friends to actually vote. Now is the time to make sure that your friends and colleagues actually go to the polls. If they don't go to the polls, your efforts will be in vain. Double back to check with your friends again. Early voting locations are at http://public1.co.collin.tx.us/elections/polling_locations/early_voting/default.aspx .

Continue to campaign with honor, regardless of the tactics used against us. Just like the US Marine TV commercials, we will form a line across the county, standing with the taxpayers with honor.

You have a clear choice between two candidates for County Judge. One raised the Plano ISD tax rate twice in the last two years (including during the economic plunge of 2009). The six cent increase over the past two years is staggering, adding $150 every year to the tax bill on a $250,000 home.

During that same period, Collin County passed both a 5% homestead exemption and a tax rate decrease. The choice is clear.

By Election Day on March 2, I will have completed some 50 events, speaking directly to voters about my record over the past three years. That includes 34 coffees hosted in private homes, speaking to neighbors and friends invited by the hosts. I am grateful for so many friends opening their homes to our campaign.

The next two weeks are crucial to winning this election. Most voters are just now digging into the candidates' records and will make their decisions over the next few days. Now is the time to renew our efforts to personally reach out to voters.

We have received great conservative endorsements:

1) The Collin County Association of Realtors, who are the bellweather of the local economy - they know first what is happening in the housing market. I very much appreciate their confidence in our fiscally conservative policies.

2) Three State Representatives, who together represent every city in Collin County:

State Representative Jodie Laubenberg

State Representative Jerry Madden

State Representative Ken Paxton

3) Kelly Shackelford (for identification only: President/CEO of Free Market Foundation)

4) Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, through their Empower Texans organization.

5) Texas Home School Coalition

6) The Coalition for Better Government, a group of citizens who are working to identify candidates who "best represent the core values, integrity, and responsibilities of the next generation of Republican leaders in Collin County."

7) And I am TeaApproved. As everyone now realizes, the Tea Party is going to make a difference in this election.

This is an important election for Collin County. This election determines whether we return to the past when county government was invisible to you, the taxpayer; or we move forward with open and accessible government, committed to keeping your taxes low and county government focused on core functions.

Now is the time to stand together.

Standing with you,
Keith

Endorsement by Empower Texans

2010-01-31T06:25:00.002-06:00

Supporters,

We had a good week on the campaign trail.

As previously reported, we received the endorsement of the Collin County Association of Realtors.

Friday, we received the endorsement of the Empower Texans, the political arm of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, led by Michael Quinn Sullivan.

Mr. Sullivan states, "Your leadership in government transparency and accountability makes you an indispensible resource for the people of Collin County and all of Texas. As I have said about you in many places, "Keith Self has put into practice the conservative principles too many people simply talk about. Collin County, and all Texans, are fortunate to have him at the helm of one of the state’s fast growing counties.""

The web site for Texans for Fiscal Responsibility states, "Empower Texans exists to create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government."

I thank Michael Quinn Sullivan and Empower Texans for their support for our re-election campaign.

I am grateful that our transparency and fiscal policy efforts are gaining national and state-wide attention, first by the Governor during his State of the State address to the legislature (available on the lower right side of the web site at www.KeithSelf.com), then by recognition by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), and now by Empower Texans.

We have two great forums coming up on Monday and Tuesday. Monday is at the McKinney campus of Collin College, Tuesday is at the Spring Creek campus of the college. Check out the details at www.KeithSelf.com . See you there!

Sincerely,
Keith

Collin County Association of Realtors Endorses Keith Self for Re-election

2010-01-26T07:18:00.003-06:00

Concerned citizens,

The Collin County Association of Realtors has endorsed me for re-election.

I am very grateful for their support.

Realtors are very sensitive to the economic climate. Uncertainty, unemployment, and job loss translate directly to their bottom line if our citizens struggle with their mortgages. Realtors have every reason to support low tax, business friendly policies. They realize that the best way for us to weather the economic storm is to maintain our low tax policies and reduce the growth of government, exactly as we did over the past three years since I took office.

Collin County maintained a steady unemployment rate in December while the State ticked up slightly. Collin County continues to do well when measured against other places in the State and nation; and our unemployment rate is now 10% better than the State.

The realtors will help us carry our pro-taxpayer message across the county.

Thank you for your support as we continue this experiment in open government.

I said that I would stand with the taxpayer, and I did.

Sincerely,
Keith

Keeping Discretionary Spending Down

2010-01-11T06:11:00.005-06:00

Supporters,

Dick Winters is the central officer character in "Band of Brothers", the World War II story of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Winters was a tremendous leader during the parachute assault on D-Day and throughout the drive across Northern Germany. He made a very telling comment to another officer, "Never put yourself in a position to take anything from these men (the men he led)."

I believe that principle applies to all leaders. I draw my salary, which has been frozen throughout my first term in office, and I receive reimbursement for travel and expenses. However, in Fiscal Year 2008, I spent less than 22% of my discretionary budget; in FY2009, I spent less than 36% during a legislative session. I'll explain.

Beyond the recent homestead exemption and tax cuts by the Commissioners Court, I believe there is another measure of how prudently an elected official spends taxpayer dollars, and that is how the public servant spends the tax dollars entrusted to that official to do his or her own job, the tax dollars under the elected official's personal control.

In my case, the primary budget lines over which I exercise personal control are travel, education and conference, and business meals for the office of the county judge. I am the only person covered by the county judge account.

Let's examine the last two years, Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) that did not include a legislative session and FY09 which did include a legislative session. When there is a legislative session, I travel to Austin more to testify and work with our legislators. These are the only two full fiscal years I have been in office.

Business meals include the food for the citizen breakfasts that I hold every two months with citizens randomly selected by county staff.

In FY08, the county judge budget for travel, education and conference, and business meals was $19,611. The general amount of these line items pre-dates my tenure, so I cannot give you the original justification for that amount.

I spent $4,259 in all three lines in FY08, including food for the citizen breakfasts. That works out to less than 22% of the authorized budget.

In FY09, the county judge budget for the same three line items was $19,358.

I spent $6,921 in FY09, which included more travel to Austin to testify before the legislature. That works out to less than 36% of the authorized budget.

I am not going to spend taxpayer dollars just because they are budgeted and available.

With this history, next year's budget for the county judge office can be cut to more accurately reflect what I spend.

I said that I would stand with the taxpayer, and I did. And I continue to do so.

Sincerely,
Keith

The Animating Contest of Freedom

2010-01-03T19:15:00.004-06:00

Concerned citizens,

Happy New Year! The next 60 days will be an exciting start to a new decade.

Less than 60 days! The Republican primary is less than 60 days from today. I am excited about what Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers, called "the animating contest of freedom."

The rapid plunge of our nation into unthinkable spending and debt and away from liberty has awakened the electorate. Many citizens realize that we must make a stand for liberty and economic sanity in 2010; that we cannot continue down the road of crushing debt and ever-increasing entitlements while yielding our liberty.

I said that I would stand with you, the taxpayer ... and I did. The results are clear; freezing my salary for my 4-year term; our open and transparent county government; the slashing of county government growth rates; tax cuts in county property taxes; and my testimonies in defense of taxpayers before House and Senate committees in Austin over two legislative sessions.

The wisdom and relevance of Ronald Reagan’s words spoken in Dallas in 1984 resonate today, "The people told the liberal leadership in Washington, "Try shrinking the size of government before you shrink the size of our paychecks."" And in that same speech, "Four years ago we raised a banner of bold colors -- no pale pastels." Two great messages that I take to heart.

But there is more to do. The idea of higher taxes to fund every whim of government never dies, and requires constant vigilance. The idea of larger and larger government never dies, and requires constant vigilance. Even our actions over the past year to defend taxpayers have come under liberal criticism. Now is not the time to shirk our responsibilities to you.

I ask that you stand with me for four more years. I ask for your vote on March 2 to re-elect me as your County Judge.

Early voting starts just 43 days from today and Election Day is less than 60 days away. I ask for your help to continue this experiment in open and transparent government.

There are many ways to help out.

If you want to help me reach voters who do not get these emails, read my blog or follow me on Facebook, you can contribute a few dollars to help me reach more people with our transparency and fiscally responsible message. Go to http://www.keithself.com/donate.html to contribute on-line or mail in a check. If everyone contributes a little, together we can reach every voter.

Yard signs are being delivered. Go to http://www.keithself.com/contribute.html to request a yard sign and we will get it to you. If you have a location for a larger road sign, let me know.

There are other ways to introduce me to your friends and family. We are waging a grassroots campaign and I need every supporter to introduce me to other voters, friends and family. Go to the list of opportunities at http://www.keithself.com/contribute.html to tell me how you want to help out.

If you want open and transparent government and fiscal responsibility, please join me in this animating contest of freedom!

Please forward this email to all like-minded voters that you know. And together we will win.

Sincerely,
Keith

Collin County Unemployment Rate Drops

2009-12-21T06:54:00.002-06:00

Concerned citizens,

1. The Collin County unemployment rate substantially decreased in November, dropping a full half percent from 7.7% in October to 7.2%.

Collin County's decrease is significant and welcome after our unemployment rate peaked in July at 7.9%.

The current 7.2% rate is the lowest since last May and the decrease translates into almost 2,000 fewer unemployed citizens than October's figure.

Collin County continues to do better than the state (8% unemployment) and much better than the nation in jobs and job creation. Jobs, not wealth redistribution, provide the best economic security of our citizens, and our low-tax, job-friendly policies contribute to our improving unemployment rate.

State figures taken from the Texas Workforce Commission web site at http://www.tracer2.com/admin/uploadedPublications/1826_pressrelease.pdf.

2. Tracy and I wish each of you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May this season bring you joy with your family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Sincerely,
Keith

State of the County and The Re-election Campaign

2009-12-14T16:26:00.003-06:00

Concerned citizens,

1. State of the County. The staff put together a great briefing on the current state of the county; a briefing that has generated quite a bit of interest when I presented it in several different venues. Because of that interest, I asked the Public Information office to put the briefing on-line for your review. You can find the briefing at http://www.collincountytx.gov/public_information/features/state_of_county_09.jsp. The figures are as current as possible. For instance, the national unemployment rate has changed slightly since the latest change to these slides, but the new local unemployment rate has not been released, so the last available same-date comparison is included.

2. Our re-election campaign is now underway in earnest. Primary election day is only 78 days away; early voting starts in just 64 days, right around the corner, especially given the Christmas break. This is a sprint. I appreciate every bit of support that you can give us.

Yard signs have arrived and we will start delivering them soon. If you have not ordered your yard sign, please go to http://www.keithself.com/contribute.html and sign up for a yard sign to be delivered to your door. We will not start delivery for another week or two, but they are available now if you want to put one out.

You will also find areas to volunteer to host a coffee or other activities to support our re-election campaign. I appreciate every effort on my behalf.

Our grassroots campaign will focus on identify those voters who appreciate the open and transparent government initiatives and the dramatically slashed growth of government that the Commissioners Court has supported during my first term in office.

Remember, I said that I would stand with the taxpayers……and I did.

Sincerely,
Keith

County Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly in October

2009-11-21T07:14:00.005-06:00

Citizens,

1. Our county unemployment rate inched down in October to 7.7%.

After going up almost 3% over a nine month stretch from September '08 through June '09, our last five months have changed very little at 7.7%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 7.8%, and 7.7%, meaning that the unemployment rate in Collin County has stabilized for the time being at half a percentage point below the state average and a full 2.5% below the current national average.

It is good news that unemployment stopped going up, not good news that it stabilized at a relatively high 7.7%. Jobs are crucial in order to continue to provide a beacon of success in the midst of the national economic downturn.

I know that federal government spending policies garner all the media attention, and the major issues that many of us are engaged in with our congressional delegation are vitally important. However, local fiscal policy and taxes pay a major role in our economic health relative to other states and even regions within Texas. Our low tax and business friendly policies play a part in keeping business doors open and attracting new businesses looking for a shelter in the storm.

2. I kept my word in my first term of office. I said that I would stand with the taxpayers - I did.

- Collin County has a more open and transparent government - webcasting commissioners court sessions and putting the county checkbook on-line for your review.

- The three budgets I participated in slashed the growth of county government from a 10+% per year average to a 1+% per year average.

- The Commissioners Court cut your county property taxes. The Commissioners Court cut your taxes - we are not taking credit for something the legislature did - we actually cut your taxes ourselves. More on this later.

These conservative fiscal policies play a role in the success of this county in maintaining a relatively good employment rate. And they will play a role in building jobs for the future as our population continues to grow as people flee high-tax states and counties.

3. Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner. I am grateful every day for each of the blessings that I enjoy, including the great honor of serving you.

Sincerely,
Keith

Veterans Day and The Samaritan Inn

2009-11-11T05:57:00.002-06:00

Citizens,

1. Today is Veterans Day. Please thank a veteran as you go about your day today. Past or present, our years of service to our nation mean a great deal to all of us and I speak for all veterans in saying that a simple thank you speaks volumes to us. I am very grateful for my own years of service in the Army and the opportunities I had to learn about the wider world and to understand better the freedom that we enjoy in our nation. That is why I am so focused on protecting your freedom to control your own life - I have seen countless examples around the world where that is not possible.

2. I want to thank all of you who contribute to the Samaritan Inn. We recently hosted an extremely successful fundraiser, but the Inn relies heavily on the very generous donations throughout the year from folks around the county just like you. As a board member, I thank you for your generosity. I appreciate the hard work of Executive Director Lynne Sipiora and the way that the Inn not only helps the immediate needs of the homeless, but also works with them to move them from a dependent status to an independent, self-sufficient life. As we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I ask that you consider the Samaritan Inn for a year-end contribution.

Sincerely,
Keith

Re-election Campaign and Next Steps on Transportation

2009-11-02T05:49:00.006-06:00

Citizens,

1. I am excited to start our re-election campaign together! Check out the new "Volunteer" section to the left, where you can volunteer on-line for the ways that you want to support my campaign. There is also a "Donate" button there that you can use to contribute through Paypal. I appreciate every effort on my behalf. As I say on the site, I love standing with you, and will continue to stand firm for the foundation principles that made our nation great.

One more thing: I ask that you start distributing my emails to your friends and family so that our campaign grows into the grassroots powerhouse that we need.

2. Our $900 Million in transportation project funding may be in jeopardy if we don't get construction contracts signed by the summer of 2011. There is a real danger that the legislature may take our funds to close the expected state budget gap. Our legislators are aware of this issue and are working with us, but they need our help. The first step is to get as many contracts signed as possible by 2011.

There are more than 50 projects that have these funds allocated to them, but here are a few of the major projects that are massively important to us.

US75: I believe that TXDot can sign construction contracts for 7 separate US75 improvement projects up to the point north of McKinney where SH121 goes east near Melissa before the legislature completes it work in the summer of 2011. The last section north of Bloomdale will be close to that date, and we are working that hard. These improvements are vital to relieve congestion on the major highway through our county, and they represent hundreds of millions of dollars.

US380: TXDot has signed a construction contract from Lake Lavon east to Farmersville, and work should start soon. This road is some of the roughest in the county on a major highway. TXDot and the Regional Transportation Council are working with us to find dollars to improve US380 from Farmersville to the county line.

SH78: TXDot is working to get the necessary right of way for SH78 around the south end of Lake Lavon. Our growth in the southeast corner of the county makes this project a high priority.

I ask for your support, and for your vote in March 2010.

Sincerely,
Keith

Random Thoughts on Today

2009-10-22T06:31:00.003-05:00

1. In the aftermath of the legislative session, I often hear the statement, "Republican elected officials won't raise taxes because they fear being voted out of office." I believe that the mood of our taxpayers is just the opposite - they see increased spending and higher taxes to cover that spending (or inflation as the feds print more dollars), and the last thing that taxpayers want is more state/local taxes in addition to the massive federal deficit and debt.

2. Unemployment in Collin County bumped up slightly in September from 7.7% to 7.8%. We are now a full 2 percentage points lower than the national average unemployment of 9.8%. That is more than a 20% difference, which is significant. Can our relatively low unemployment rate have anything to do with our relatively low taxes? Hint: it does.

3. When I hear a state legislator say that 90% of the state budget goes to just three areas, and transportation is NOT one of the three, it is no wonder that state transportation dollars won't fund the state's growing mobility needs.

4. Remember the Local Option Tax during the last legislative session? Collin County has already stepped up to the plate for a local option tax - known as tolls on NTTA toll roads. Collin County has 42% of all NTTA tolled miles and we already pay a significant local option tax (user fees on toll roads) to fund transportation. Because of the NTTA payment for SH121, we have $900 Million in the bank today for transportation projects (plus bond funds); dollars that represent a portion of future tolls that you will pay on NTTA roads.

5. The November 3 Election Day is rapidly approaching, and early voting has already started. I encourage everyone to vote on the 11 constitutional amendments on the ballot. The two amendments that I feel most strongly about are #11 (eminent domain abuse) and #2 (property taxes reform). I strongly recommend a Yes vote on these amendments.

There is a great deal of analysis available from good sources on other amendments from which to make your decisions, and there are other good amendments to support. There is also some false information being circulated about amendments 2, 3, and 5; information that falsely says they will lead to a state property tax or a tax increase. Don't believe this misinformation.

You may vote at any voting location, both for early voting and on Election Day as we test the vote center concept where you do not have to vote at your precinct location. Let me know how you like the concept.

Sincerely,
Keith

Great Public Hearing

2009-10-08T07:49:00.001-05:00

Concerned citizens,

There is a lot in the news to be concerned about these days.

But I spent last evening with a group of folks who are the salt of the earth, who appreciate their lives, who came to a public hearing to let their voices be heard.

We held the first public hearing on a proposed bridge over Lake Lavon at the Wylie City Hall. I was very impressed with the citizens who attended and who spoke. As I listened, I thought back over my own lifetime, the changes that I saw in our family land in the panhandle, and I understand exactly where these citizens are.

The public hearing last evening was emotional at times, but always respectful and polite - there was even one apology for a mild interruption. I really appreciated the way our citizens handled their public inputs.

I don't know what the decision on the bridge will be - the study is not complete. I voiced my initial concerns in a recent Dallas Morning News article. But I always remember that politics is choosing between competing public policy options that allocate scarce resources. No special interest group will drive my vote on this bridge - the only special interest group that I recognize is the citizens of Collin County. That is not the issue. The real issue is planning now for roads that make little sense in the current situation so that future infrastructure will meet the needs of our population in 2030 and later. And doing that planning in a way that respects current property owners as much as possible.

Tolling the bridge seemed to be an issue - as it should be. Contrary to popular misconceptions, every road cannot (and should not) be tolled - only those financially viable, and there are very few that are viable. It is a certainty that any toll bridge across the lake would not be financially viable for decades. Even if future traffic counts supported a free bridge, the choice to drive a free route around the lake instead of a tolled bridge would deter some traffic across the bridge, further delaying financial viability.

Almost $50 million is currently allocated to improve SH 78 to help move citizens from the east side of the lake to the west and back. That will not be enough over time. Whether a bridge is the right answer or not and whether or not it will be tolled; more transportation infrastructure will be needed on the east side of the lake.

It was a great evening with great folks with great comments.

Sincerely,
Keith

Commissioners Court Passes a Balanced Budget

2009-09-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

In a unanimous vote, your Commissioners Court just approved a balanced budget that gives the average taxpayer another tax decrease for 2010.

The court held the line on spending; approving a balanced budget that will spend only what will be collected with no change to the tax rate. There were some hard decisions made in order to maintain a balanced budget during an economic downturn, and the entire court recognized the fact that an economic downturn is NOT the time to increase taxes.

Your court worked together over the past three years to restrict the operating budget to an average annual increase of only 1.26%, far less than previous increases. That is a result of shared commitment to slow the growth of government.

I thank my fellow court members for their commitment to pass a balanced budget.

Sincerely,
Keith

Thoughts on Taxes

2009-09-20T20:53:00.001-05:00

Citizens, summer is over, school has started, pools are closed, and the political scene is wild.

The fascinating national political environment almost totally crowds out local political news, and there is no doubt that there are profound implications to North Texas as the federal government grows ever larger and more intrusive. The real fascination to me is that many do not see that growth as a threat to our liberty. I am excited about the growing number of Collin County citizens who have just now started to make their voices heard as they engage in political dialogue based on the national political issues.

While the national scene garners the headlines and airtime, local governments are busy with final budget votes in the midst of the economic downturn.

Here's a question for you. If higher taxes are necessary during boom times in order to "keep up with growth", and higher taxes are necessary during economic downturns in order to "make up for the loss of property appraisal values", then when CAN taxes be cut? How would you ever slow the growth of government if higher taxes are required during the good times AND during the down times? Have you ever pondered this question?

The county is addressing this issue in several ways during this budget cycle.

The first is giving another tax DECREASE this year to the average taxpayer. This also slows the growth of county government. More citizens help shoulder the tax burden every year, so the load is distributed across a larger number of taxpayers.

Second is our transparency initiative. Our checkbook is on-line and available for your review, which makes county officials more accountable to you.

Third is a citizens' efficiency committee. This is not a committee of government employees; it is made up of citizens who have expertise in certain areas, volunteering their time to find efficiencies in county government to streamline our processes and recommend ways to save money. Just as you are cutting expenses and saving more, so should the county. And after all, lower taxes not only create a positive business environment, but they also mean more efficient government focused on core functions.

Welcome back from your summer travels and vacations. We have lots to discuss through the next months.

Sincerely,
Keith

Collin County Property Tax Decrease

2009-08-30T18:29:00.001-05:00

Concerned citizens,

Your Collin County Commissioners Court recently approved a proposed budget that includes a tax decrease for 2010. That's right, a tax DECREASE. This is good news for Collin County taxpayers. Over the last two years, the county property tax bill for the average taxpayer in the county has dropped a total of $27.36.

This year, not only does the average tax bill drop again, but the proposed tax rate is even lower than the effective tax rate. The effective rate is the tax rate that would need to be adopted in order to guarantee the same amount of county tax revenue as the year before. This means that the proposed tax rate for 2010 is a tax decrease both for the county as a whole AND for the individual taxpayer. As more citizens make Collin County their home, and we hold the line on spending, the tax burden for each citizen decreases.

The effective tax rate for 2010 is $.24941. The proposed tax rate is $.2425, almost three quarters of a cent below the effective tax rate. The average taxpayer will pay $3.32 less this year than last year, and this follows a decrease of $24.04 last year.

In the midst of the economic turmoil that our citizens are experiencing daily, this is the least that our county government can do to help our citizens through this difficult period.

No services are cut in the proposed budget and, once again, Collin County just received the highest possible credit ratings, AAA and Aaa.

This tax policy will pay future dividends for Collin County. Renowned economist Dr. Art Laffer, one of the key architects of the Reagan Economic Program, recently authored a series for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, "Thinking Economically." In "States Right - To Mess It Up, What Makes a State Competitive," he writes, "...state and local fiscal policies are far and away the most important factors determining changes in the competitiveness and, hence, relative economic growth rates among the states....Overtaxed states per se restrain growth, while states that raise taxes - even if they currently aren't overtaxed - inhibit growth." In Collin County, we believe that he is correct.

I invite you to view the demonstrated successes of our county and our cities that are gaining recognition in numerous national publications, all found at http://www.collincountytx.gov/business/cites.jsp

Three independent boards control approximately 10% of the county budget. If they follow the court's lead to control spending, then the final approved budget will slow the growth of county government in Collin County while maintaining services.

We are committed to providing core government functions as efficiently as possible in order to provide services, sustain our quality of life and encourage our economic growth.

Sincerely,

Keith

Redistricting, Credit Ratings, and Flat Budget

2009-08-18T15:20:00.001-05:00

Citizens,

I have three very positive reports for you:

1) The Commissioners Court recently redistricted the Commissioners precincts in order to balance the precinct populations and give every citizen a full vote for county commissioners. The new map can be viewed at

http://www.collincountytx.gov/public_information/features/documents/CommishEffective01012010.pdf

2) Both major credit rating firms again gave Collin County their highest bond ratings: AAA and Aaa. This is great news and ensures the best possible cost of financing bond sales approved by you.

3) Today the Commissioners Court voted to approve a flat recommended fiscal year 2010 budget with a steady tax rate. This is good news. For the second year in a row, the average taxpayer in Collin County will pay fewer dollars in county taxes than the year before, if the final budget approved in late September reflects this flat budget.

It continues to be an honor to serve you, and I look forward to hearing from you as we move toward final budget approval in late September.

Sincerely,
Keith

Budget Priorities

2009-07-21T15:50:00.002-05:00

Citizens,

Our budget discussions are rapidly approaching, and I want to give you my priorities for this year.

Our most important job is to fund the justice and law enforcement system and the services required by the state for our citizens. The priorities below are the specific issues that I see for this year within our overall budget responsibilities.

Our first priority in a downturn is to continue to ensure the safety of our employees and citizens in all county venues. There are some aging facilities that require work now to preclude future safety issues.

Second, we need to protect our physical assets - our facilities - against deterioration. Maintenance grows relatively more important as we deal with a flat budget year. If we allow our physical assets to deteriorate, it will only require a larger maintenance budget later to refurbish neglected facilities.

Safety and maintenance issues will be identified on a document called the Permanent Improvement Program - which really includes maintenance more than permanent improvements. I will encourage my colleagues on the court to adequately fund our safety and maintenance requirements. Myers Park and Event Center, for example, hosts more than 200 events every year, but needs more safety and maintenance dollars.

Third, we need to pay down our unfunded liabilities. I am very proud of the court for actions that we took on Monday, July 20, to target our two major unfunded liabilities, which currently stand at almost $80 million and growing rapidly. We directed the budget director to plan for $5 million payments from existing fund balance for several years in addition to our normal yearly payments. If approved in the final budget, this additional funding will reduce the long-term liabilities that will fall to our children to pay. Just as you are reducing your debt in this downturn, we will start to do the same with our unfunded liabilities.

Fourth, a flat county budget becomes increasingly obvious as the nation continues to work through the downturn. The national economic picture remains cloudy and our county unemployment continues to rise. The chief appraiser believes that next year's property tax base will most likely decline, requiring even more hard decisions next year. A truly flat budget this year will soften the potentially greater impacts next year.

Fifth, on a positive note even in the midst of the economic conditions, although I will not speak for the full court, I do not see layoffs this coming year. The current overall county unemployment rate of 7.7% translates to approximately 130 county employees, but our tax base this year is strong enough to retain all employees. Following years are more difficult to gauge. Our citizens' efficiency committee will start work soon and when they identify major efficiencies, any personnel reductions, if necessary, may be handled through attrition and retirements.

I invite you to watch our week-long budget workshop through the internet at http://collin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2 from August 17-21.

Sincerely,
Keith

Transparency Policy: Posting of Donors

2009-07-17T10:38:00.002-05:00

Citizens,

Today I posted on the internet the donors to my re-election campaign. You may view the list on the left.

As I said in the press release, "I'm proud that Collin County was the first county in the entire nation to post our checkbook registry online, providing citizens with the opportunity to see first-hand how their tax dollars are spent. I'm extending that type of transparency to my campaign, allowing Collin County citizens convenient and full disclosure to my campaign funding."

Sincerely,
Keith

Independence Day, July 4, 2009

2009-07-03T06:38:00.003-05:00

Fellow citizens,

Tomorrow we celebrate freedom on the 4th of July, Independence Day.

As we celebrate, enjoy again one of the best descriptions of civil society and government ever written, the most well-known sentences from our Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

These two sentences encapsulate the great truths that make our nation free.

May God bless you and yours,
Keith

Correction to June 10 Message

2009-06-19T16:23:00.000-05:00

Citizens, the June 10 email/post on engineering concerns did not properly articulate the boundaries of the research that I conducted.

The details within the email/post were correct, but they apply only to the 7 major engineering firms that were selected for a second review by the commissioners court on segment 3 of the regional outer loop in Collin County.

The email/post was written from my perspective and with my background knowledge, but did not account for the fact that you were not aware of the research boundaries. The issue at hand is the current consideration of the outer loop segment.

Sincerely,
Keith

300 Attend the First Annual Summer Picnic

2009-06-15T07:18:00.005-05:00

I want to thank the 300 folks who came out on a "warm" afternoon on Saturday to attend our First Annual Summer Picnic. We had a great time enjoying good food, friends, and fellowship in rural Collin County.

John and Diann Jones' Pepper Hill Ranch is a great spot for a picnic - pavilion and trees providing shade next to their beautiful lake - what a great setting! Check out the pictures (one to the left, the remainder at my Facebook page) for a taste of the great afternoon that we had.

I appreciated remarks by the Chairman of the Collin County Republican Party, Fred Moses, and I was honored to have the Republican National Committeewoman representing Texas, Cathie Adams, also address the crowd. Ken Paxton and Jodie Laubenberg added a few words about the recent legislative session.

We discussed the new transparency in Collin County government, our lower county tax rate, the new county homestead exemption, and the restrained growth of county government.

I thank each of you who came out to enjoy the afternoon with us, and I look forward to the second annual summer picnic!

Sincerely,
Keith