Texas County Voice

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we visit Guadalupe County to explore its award-winning Citizens Election Academy. Designed to educate residents on the electoral process from voter registration to the reporting of results, the academy promotes transparency, combats misinformation and encourages civic engagement. Join us as Guadalupe County Elections Administrator Lisa Hayes shares how the academy builds trust in elections, one voter at a time.

Judicial safety has become an urgent issue as threats against judges and court personnel continue to rise. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Harris County Justice of the Peace Holly Williamson discusses the security challenges facing Texas courts and shares strategies to protect judges, staff and the public. As president of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, Judge Williamson recently spoke on this topic at the Texas Association of Counties' 2024 Legislative Conference. Don't miss this important and timely discussion.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we explore Johnson County's investigation of the environmental and health risks linked to biosolids used in local agriculture. Commissioner Larry Woolley and Constable Detective Dana Ames discuss the alarming levels of toxic "forever chemicals" found in soil, water and livestock. Tune in to hear the investigation's findings and learn what steps officials are taking in response.

Artificial intelligence is no longer futuristic. However, its implications for county government are not entirely understood. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Robert Ruiz, the associate director of TAC's Risk Management Services, breaks down the fundamentals of AI and covers real-world applications and key considerations for integrating AI into county operations. Join us as we discuss what county officials need to know about AI and its potential benefits – and risks.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we attend one of TAC's Judicial Education Roundtables, a series of meetings being held this summer across the state to provide county judges a platform for discussing county challenges. TAC's Stephanie Moreno explains the roundtables' focus on mental health. Featuring insights from Lee County Judge Frank Malinak, Knox County Judge Stan Wojcik and Comanche County Judge Stephanie Davis, the episode highlights various struggles with mental health resources and the significance of community involvement.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Jackson County Judge Jill Sklar shares lessons learned from a ransomware attack that struck her county in 2019. Judge Sklar's experiences inform her role as chair of the Board of Directors of TAC's County Information Resources Agency, or CIRA. Tune in for valuable advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of county cybersecurity.

Tune in to Texas County Voice for an engaging conversation with Randy Riggs, McClennan County Tax Assessor-Collector and vice president of the Texas Association of Counties. Discover his dedication to public service and hear his insights on upcoming legislative changes affecting vehicle registrations and new license plates. Plus! Enjoy a sampling of Riggs' talent beyond public office.

From growing up in the farmlands of Hidalgo County to becoming one of the few Asian American county judges in Texas, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, as he puts it, has always followed the path least taken. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Judge Sakai shares his unique journey and how his family history, including his father's four-year stay in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, shaped his dedication to public service.

We visit with Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham in this episode of Texas County Voice. Judge Cunningham shares his perspective on key issues faced by Llano County and discusses his engagement on bills that would simplify the federal grant process for counties and boost local support for veterans and their families. Join us for an insightful look at the leadership and experiences shaping Texas counties.

Please join Texas County Voice as we visit Lampasas County to bring you a conversation with County Judge Randy Hoyer. Tune in as Judge Hoyer shares his journey from educator to county judge and discusses the important advocacy he is leading for his community.