On April 18, 2017, we hosted our Open House at the J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex in Williamson County from 5-7 p.m., and approximately 100 people attended this family event. They got to learn about the best that our county departments have to offer, such as how to administer CPR, how a HazMat vehicle cleans chemical spills, and signing their children up for 4-H membership.

Constable Vinnie Cherrone and Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson and I, with a lot of help from our county departments, met with our neighbors and friends from across the county and enjoyed an informative and relaxing evening with them while everyone was dining on hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. Tax Assessor/Collector Larry Gaddes was also on hand with information on the services his office provides. In addition, we were fortunate to see Commissioner Larry Madsen, his wife, and his staff, as well as staff from other county departments.

Williamson County employees staffed booths or outdoor displays that provided extensive information, handouts and interactive activities. Those included:

• Fire, EMS, HazMat and Law Enforcement vehicles
• Sheriff’s Office Bearcat & Canine Unit
• Voter registration
• Child car seat safety information & demonstrations
• CPR – Hands-on 10 minute sessions
• Williamson County Master Gardeners
• Williamson County & Cities Health District Information on health services, immunizations, WIC program, food safety, mosquito management traps display
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 4-H and Youth Development programs and the Master Gardener program
• Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector services provided

Our office created a brochure that informed the public about the duties of a Commissioner, Constable, and a Justice of the Peace. While we wanted to offer information to the people we serve, we three elected officials also wanted them to feel that this is their building and to encourage them to seek our services when needed.

The weather threatened our outdoor activities, but right on time, the clouds parted and the sky began to clear. It was a captivating, hands-on evening for citizens of all ages. We’re hoping other precincts will hold similar events in their areas of the county so people can understand more of what our departments do to provide safety and improve the quality of life in our county.