My introduction to Public Office

After being elected precinct chair and showing up at election headquarters, I was clearly the dumbest person in the room and that began a long series of “Bless your Heart” moments I've had in public service. I never want to go through again. At the end of the election, I knew the drill, happy I had assisted, grateful for those who continue year in year out. If I had to do it now with many new election laws I am very happy someone else gets those chores. I really admire those through a sense of duty to democracy, they serve.  But once was enough for me.

My first year on the school board, I learned politics there with teachers superintendents and angry parents is quite a challenge with a few “Bless “Your Heart and you are a no-good “dirty sumbitch” moments. But came away with how important it is to understand education law, taxation and how to handle, irate teachers, parents while disciplining students. Those three terms and board meetings were also helpful in understanding city and county government.  A job I would never want again, but very educational.

(Some info you need to know here: I was born reactive, but had to learn to be measured)

Going to the legislature is a better job but still full of you guessed it “Bless Your Heart Moments” 1st termers should be seen, but never heard. “Go through the handbook, learn the rules and be silent”.  I am sure you know how well that worked for me, but it really is good advice, you can't pass gas in the leg if you don't know the rules, if your not up on etiquette, you will be ignored. I liked that  about as well as being silent. I bit my lip and studied and learned that being astute about the process is the only way to overcome not being a chairman or speaker's best friend.  Most of the people I served with were decent and honorable people, the ones that were effective and got stuff done understood the rules, the process and were good politicians when they ran and while they served. They understood institutions of government and how to get them to assist their constituents. They understand how we got here and how to use the budgeting process, keeping the lights on, highways paved and schools open. It takes time, hard work and single mindedness to learn about a complicated government, as complicated as the 330 million people who want it to serve them morally, ethically and competently.

In my case, I think it takes a smart and informed person to deal with Commissioners Court in 3 counties and 40 city councils. All of them politicians and a number of them eyeing your seat. I had a surprisingly successful time in the legislature, but it's full time job with part time pay.  It's a job I would do again, now that I am smarter and better informed. (I might consider running if I had $20 in a campaign account and anyone else who thought that would be a good idea, but think I'm safe on all accounts.)