Judicial Review
Big Thicket Messenger - January 2008
by Liberty County Judge Phil Fitzgerald

I have been asked on several occasions to review my first year as Liberty County Judge. In thinking back on this first year, everything has spun by so quickly.

I came into office and realized first of all the County was on solid ground financially. I have to attribute this success to people like Harold Seay, County Auditor, the Commissioners and the previous County Judge. As most people know, our County is maintaining a steady growth which allows for property value increase, which in turn provides increased revenue giving us flexibility to provide better services while decreasing the tax rate, which we have done and hope to continue to do. As grateful as we are for the good fortune of increased revenue, we cannot spoil ourselves and become dependent. We will be diligent to watch and control spending in order to insure future financial stability.

I was also made aware that Liberty County had one of the highest fatality rates in the State of Texas due to traffic accidents. This statistic is unacceptable. We took steps as a court to create a Traffic Patrol Division for Liberty County, which involved the cooperation of the Constables, Sheriff Deputies, DPS Officers and the Justices of the Peace and their clerks. Hopefully through these efforts the statistics will decrease and peoples loved ones will not face such tragedies.

It’s an exciting time for our County as I constantly consult with developers looking at Liberty County as the next frontier for industrial and residential growth. I anticipate the next ten years will bring positive growth transforming the western side of our county from what we now see. My goal through this transition is to ensure our core values as a community are not compromised. All community leaders have greatly assisted in maintaining this course.
Two county-wide governmental summits wee conducted this year and four are scheduled in the upcoming year. These summits allow all city mayors, school superintendents and other leaders to share ideas and goals. This has been a great experience and helps to assure there are no boundaries within our county. Rather, each and every entity together for the benefit of the entire County and community.

One of my most rewarding moments as County Judge was standing shoulder to shoulder with Dayton Mayor Steve Stephens, Cleveland Mayor Jill Kirkonis, Liberty Mayor Carl Pickett and Toll Road President Charlotte Warner to confront the Grand Parkway Association and TxDOT concerning the routing of the Grand Parkway through Liberty County. Holding together a united front commands their attention and respect. All leaders of the County are determined to stand united in order to successfully address any issue coming our way.
This year also brought tests and challenges. When I began, a close friend told me that my first year in office sets the tone for my entire tenure as County Judge. Taking that to heart, I strive to be fair in my dealings, use reason in my judgements and stand strong in my convictions. Whether doing so has called for me to turn the other cheek or aggressively seek change, I sincerely hope it has given everyone a clear understanding of who I am and what I represent. But most importantly, I hope it shows that I stand for the best interests of Liberty County and all the people, which make it such an amazing community. 

I look forward to 2008 and the challenges it brings. Please keep myself and all the leaders in the community in your thoughts and prayers as we whole-heartedly face these upcoming challenges. May we continue to enjoy God’s blessings as we have in the past.