Texas Association of Counties presented District 60 Representative Jim Keffer with the Friend of County Government award at the Brown County Courthouse Tuesday morning.
Brown County and Hood County officials met in the Brown County Courtroom to honor Representative Keffer for supporting issues of counties during the 83rd legislative session.
Brown County Judge Ray West thanked Rep. Keffer for his “consistent support of issues important to the preservation of local control” which he stated proved Keffer “a friend to county government.” West further addressed Keffer stating, “Thank you for your ongoing support of Texas counties.”
West on behalf of the Texas Association of Counties also thanked Keffer for his open lines of communication, the help he has provided counties in securing funds for transportation projects for areas of the state that have been affected by the increased oil and gas production, for reviewing legislation for county impact and for preserving decision making at the county level. Through his efforts, West stated that Keffer had helped counties better serve their citizens.
“You have long been a friend to the Texas Association of Counties and Texas county officials and because of that it gives us great pleasure to recognize that friendship with an award.”
Keffer thanked TAC officials and the county representatives, stating that the friendship is a two way street, as he also appreciated the work of county officials in his district.
“Thank you. This means a lot,” said Keffer.
He explained that Texas was doing well and that tourism ratings had been improved from AA to AAA for Texas as of October 2, 2013.
“Texas is on the right path primarily because of the robust oil and gas industry,” said Keffer. “Hood and Brown Counties are very important anchor counties for the district. We have solid, well founded district counties who should be proud of their leadership who have worked through some really tough issues.”
TAC is a statewide non-profit organization that represents counties at the Capitol, conducts continuing education for officials and provides other needed services for county government.
Pictured above, after the award presentation are Rep. Keffer with Brown and Hood County officials. From left to right are: Hood County Auditor Stan McBroom, Hood County Commissioner Steve Berry, Rep. Keffer, Brown County Pct. 1 Commissioner Gary Worley, Brown County Judge Ray West, Brown County Pct. 3 Commissioner Wayne Shaw and Brown County Pct. 2 Commissioner Joel Kelton.
