On a warm January 2, 2017, morning, Terry Cook proudly took the oath of office at 10:51 a.m. to become Williamson County Commissioner of Precinct 1. About fifty of her supporters cheered her on in a standing-room only courtroom that overflowed with visitors into the balcony and hallway. Commissioner Cook was one of thirteen elected officials who were sworn in at the Williamson County Historic Courthouse on the second floor in the 26th District Court in Georgetown. 

Woodie Jones, Chief Justice (Ret.), Third Court of Appeals, State of Texas, performed the ceremony for Commissioner Cook, while her daughter, Alexis Wertz, held the Bible on which the Commissioner placed her right hand. Her husband, Wayne, also attended. Other distinguished officials took turns swearing in newly elected and re-elected county officials that ranged from district court judges to constables.

The following are remarks she offered immediately following her swearing-in:

There comes a time in each of our lives where something needs to be done; no one else rises up to do it, and the pessimists say it can’t be done. I faced such a situation in 2015, and with the dogged help of old and new friends, we rose to best such a challenge. Public service is not for pessimists or those who wait for things to happen. It can be an incubator for those who strive to make good things happen.

I thank all of those people who joined me in my endeavor to become a public servant.  Without them, I would have made the pessimists truth sayers. With them, I have hope to do what is good and right on the Williamson County Commissioners Court.

Thank you for believing in me.

Commissioner Cook’s calendar of appointments and events filled up quickly almost as soon as she moved into her office, Suite 110, at the J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex in Round Rock. Known for working almost round-the-clock, she strives to understand every issue for every scheduled Commissioners Court meeting, and she tackles daily responsibilities with equal dedication. She always receives visitors with a friendly smile that makes anyone feel not only welcome, but optimistic for Williamson County’s future outlook. Commissioner Cook is bringing both that optimism, as well as her ability to work with people who may hold differing views, to the Commissioners Court.