Lately, there has been a lot of talk, publicity and quite frankly unnecessary chatter about petty “issues” in Rockwall County politics. I believe it to be counterproductive and distracting to the things that matter most to the county citizens. My opinion is that there has been no wrongdoing and don’t believe that this “story” should have ever hit the airwaves. I am a 6th generation Rockwall County resident and despite also serving on the Heath City Council, I’m a citizen first. Members of our county, government officials and citizens alike, are making a mockery of their opportunities to serve and better the county through playground politics. So rather than dwell on inches and feet, let’s move forward.
The functions of a county government include providing basic services such as a judicial system, a system for records and licenses, law and justice services, as well as providing resources infrastructure, roads and bridges by cooperating with bordering municipalities and many times, the Texas Department of Transportation. That part of the job description doesn’t include fabrication of news.
Rockwall County is specifically faced with an impending influx of growth and development. We are an extremely attractive county and continue to experience great growth. We have first rate education opportunity for families, a high quality of life, a beautiful lake, shopping, dining and have most recently been nationally highlighted for our track record in providing jobs to the Texas economy. We have a large amount of bonded road programs underway as our County Judge has recently highlighted in his correspondence to constituents. As many of you know, The President George Bush Turnpike has recently connected to the west of our County and now introduces a potential new audience to the joys we know and love by living in Rockwall County. As a legal subdivision of the state, we have certain obligations in both preparing for and managing that growth. We have entrusted that responsibility with a County Judge and four (4) Commissioners.
Let me be clear that this is not a criticism of that court, but rather an involved citizen’s view from the outside on common sense and real issues. Here are three (3) areas to focus on for the future of Rockwall County; none of which involve a flagpole.
Preparing for Growth: In 1960, our county population was around 6,000. In 1990, we had grown close to 26,000. Our latest 2010 census puts the county at just under 80,000 residents. This includes Rockwall, Heath, McLendon-Chisholm, Fate and parts of Rowlett, Forney and Royse City. According to Judge Hogan’s research, we’ll be close to 250,000 by 2030. My daughter will graduate high school in 2030. We have many ways to plan for this growth. Infrastructure needs, roads, bridges, thoroughfares, facilities, public safety and other services. How are we planning for this? Let’s implement the “communication plan” to let our county know that we know how to grow.
Prudent Growth: We have a “strategic plan” in place for cooperative planning efforts with our county’s municipalities to help regulate strict guidelines for development and land use. When does this plan go into effect? When do these stories hit the news? What plans do we have to cooperate and plan for growth? What is our vision? Tell us what we look like in 2030 in terms of development. Can we take steps to promote economic development and be a hotbed of activity for businesses to continue to come here?
Higher Education: Let’s stake our claim as a premier county in Texas where quality of life is key, jobs are plenty, taxes are reasonable and low, schools are exemplary and streets are safe. Why can’t we dream big? By 2030 and 250,000 people, I want to see a four (4) year university in Rockwall County. Let’s put Rockwall on the map. Let’s talk about our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Rockwall County’s future is bigger than the sandbox it’s being treated like today.
This is by far a plan of its own but rather a way to stimulate conversations actually worth making productive news. Let me know what you think. Open the dialogue. What’s your vision? Feel free to e-mail me personally at voteforholland@gmail.com.
