Consistent. Principled. Action.

Independence Day, July 4, 2009

2009-07-03T06:38:00.003-05:00

Fellow citizens,

Tomorrow we celebrate freedom on the 4th of July, Independence Day.

As we celebrate, enjoy again one of the best descriptions of civil society and government ever written, the most well-known sentences from our Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

These two sentences encapsulate the great truths that make our nation free.

May God bless you and yours,
Keith

Correction to June 10 Message

2009-06-19T16:23:00.000-05:00

Citizens, the June 10 email/post on engineering concerns did not properly articulate the boundaries of the research that I conducted.

The details within the email/post were correct, but they apply only to the 7 major engineering firms that were selected for a second review by the commissioners court on segment 3 of the regional outer loop in Collin County.

The email/post was written from my perspective and with my background knowledge, but did not account for the fact that you were not aware of the research boundaries. The issue at hand is the current consideration of the outer loop segment.

Sincerely,
Keith

300 Attend the First Annual Summer Picnic

2009-06-15T07:18:00.005-05:00

I want to thank the 300 folks who came out on a "warm" afternoon on Saturday to attend our First Annual Summer Picnic. We had a great time enjoying good food, friends, and fellowship in rural Collin County.

John and Diann Jones' Pepper Hill Ranch is a great spot for a picnic - pavilion and trees providing shade next to their beautiful lake - what a great setting! Check out the pictures (one to the left, the remainder at my Facebook page) for a taste of the great afternoon that we had.

I appreciated remarks by the Chairman of the Collin County Republican Party, Fred Moses, and I was honored to have the Republican National Committeewoman representing Texas, Cathie Adams, also address the crowd. Ken Paxton and Jodie Laubenberg added a few words about the recent legislative session.

We discussed the new transparency in Collin County government, our lower county tax rate, the new county homestead exemption, and the restrained growth of county government.

I thank each of you who came out to enjoy the afternoon with us, and I look forward to the second annual summer picnic!

Sincerely,
Keith

Issues with Engineering Contract Process

2009-06-10T16:57:00.002-05:00

Citizens, I am concerned about the current methods of awarding engineering contracts in Collin County.

There seems to be a special relationship between the county and a very few engineering companies. Over the past 5 years, 49% of all contracts for engineering design work has been awarded to only a single firm. That may not be in the best interest of County taxpayers.

I have no issue with any of the engineering firms that do business in our county - they are all very respectable and capable firms. There is no indication of wrong doing, collusion or corruption and no information that would suggest otherwise. This is an issue of acquiring the best value at the least, but reasonable cost without sacrificing quality.

The bottom line is that state law states that pricing CANNOT be considered in the INITIAL selection of engineering firms - a system that encourages a relationship with no check and balance against giving all business to the same firm. It is difficult to negotiate "best value" if price is not included.

Contrary to what you may hear, I don't believe that allowing price to be considered in engineering contracts would lead to failure of projects designed by any of the world-class engineering firms in Collin County.

In court on June 8, we designated the firm that has received 49% of all contracts over the past 5 years as the single firm with which we will negotiate scope and price for a major section of the massive project. In this project, even a small percentage savings would be a huge dollar amount.

The next step in our process is to negotiate only with the selected firm. The only way that we have to get you the best price on this massive project is to continue to negotiate down the priority list of firms in turn until we reach a price that reflects the current weak economy, work available on the market, and recent pricing history in the region.

I am encouraging the two commissioners designated to monitor the negotiations to press hard for the best price possible.

That is the least that we can do for you.

Sincerely,
Keith

Memorial Day, 65th Anniversary of D-Day, and 4th of July

2009-06-03T07:13:00.004-05:00

Citizens, we are in the midst of a series of important national dates; dates that directly speak to our liberties. I face re-election next year, so some ask why I spend so much time on the issue of freedom. Freedom is why I spent 25 years in an Army uniform, and what I want to preserve for all Collin County citizens.

Special Forces Sergeant Stefan Mazak said it well, "There are only two types of warriors in this world. Those that serve tyrants and those that serve free men." To paraphrase for us, there are only two types of citizens, those who serve tyrants, and those who live free.

We recently remembered our fallen heroes on Memorial Day on May 25, remembering those who paid the ultimate price for liberty. Many of us attended ceremonies that reminded us that our freedoms are not free; that maintaining freedom requires the participation of every citizen in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

On Saturday, June 6, we celebrate the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the massive invasion of Europe that signaled the beginning of the march to victory in World War II. I parachuted into the 49th D-Day anniversary and had a wonderful two days with many old vets from the Normandy invasion. After nearly half a century, their memories were as clear as yesterday, their emotions as strong as when they were 49 years younger, and their commitment to defend our freedoms and our way of life still absolutely resolute. It is one of the most meaningful memories of my military career. Every American should visit the military cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach - an inspiring place of rest for more than 10,000 dead and missing from that campaign.

The 4th of July, the touchstone of our freedom with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is just around the corner. In the last sentence, the signers stated that, "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." It is that commitment to the principles of freedom and independence that continues to be essential in the defense of freedom today.

However, the signers of the Declaration were NOT of one mind as our young nation matured. In fact, two of the most famous signers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, later became political opponents.

From the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia, referring to Jefferson's victory over John Adams in the election of 1800, quote,

"The revolution of 1800 was as real revolution in the principles of our government as that of 1776 was in its form; not effected by the sword ... but by the rational and peaceful instrument of reform, the suffrage of the people," wrote Jefferson. With the overwhelming support of the citizenry, Jefferson and his followers had overcome the politics of faction and intrigue, turned back the tide of counter-revolution, and restored the country to its true republican course. End quote.

Let's re-commit ourselves to this spirit - keeping the flames of freedom alive and bright at every level of government.

As Collin County continues to go through a period of rapid change, including political changes, we are reminded of the words of Edward Everett in a speech just a month after Adams and Jefferson both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - July 4th, 1826,

"Having lived and acted and counseled and dared and risked all, and triumphed and enjoyed together, they have gone to their great reward. Forgetting the little that had divided them and cherishing the communion of service and peril and success that had united, they walked with honorable friendship the declining pathway of age; and now they have sunk down together in peace into the bosom of a redeemed and grateful country."

All who love liberty and independence should cherish the memory of these two Founding Fathers; compatriots in the Revolutionary War, political opponents in the years that followed, and finally, old friends with a common desire - a great future for America. I ask that all who cherish liberty come with me as we continue this experiment in open and transparent county government focused only on core functions in order to preserve your freedom.

Sincerely,
Keith

Legislative Session, Budget Process, and First Annual Summer Picnic

2009-06-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

...Please join us on Saturday, June 13, for my first annual summer picnic. You can download a form at http://www.keithself.com/images/SelfJune2009PicnicRSVP.pdf or just call Kim Watts at 214-236-1053. We kept the cost low in order to get as many of the grassroots army together as possible before we start campaigning in earnest in the fall. Burgers, dogs, bounce house, volleyball, and horseshoes - fun for all ages! And of course, comments by a few folks that you will want to hear.

Citizens,

1. The legislative session is drawing to a close. There is great danger for passage of harmful bills in these last days, but time grows short to do so, so I am cautious and watchful, but optimistic. In the meantime, I continue to work with our legislators for the best interests of Collin County.

2. Attention will soon turn to the county budget process that will unfold over the next four months. I will let you know in June my budget priorities for the fiscal year 2010 budget.

Government should not be the equivalent of an elected officials' "friends and family program." Contracts should be for best interests of all taxpayers, not for the narrow interests of those to whom the contracts and funds are awarded.

This will take your involvement over the next four months. The voices that are most often and loudly heard in the commissioners court are those who benefit from the funding, not those who have to provide the funds - you, the taxpayer. I will need active public support during the budget process to maintain a flat budget - signs are already emerging that some will ask for increases when the tax base is likely to be flat or erode slightly. If those are the only voices heard over the next four months, our government could grow in a recession.

In fact, government hiring is a major portion of what little job growth there is across the country. That should not be in a recession.

Unlike the federal government, the county cannot print unlimited dollars. very dollar that the commissioners court spends must first be taken from your pocket. In this economy, we ought to tap your pocket as lightly as possible.

Stay tuned for my budget priorities in June.

Sincerely,

Keith

SAVE THE DATE FOR KEITH SELF'S FIRST ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC!!

2009-06-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

Join us for a fun-filled event for the whole family to support County Judge Keith Self's re-election campaign!

This event will be held at the beautiful Pepper Hill Ranch owned by John and Diann Jones. Their ranch is located about ten minutes northeast of McKinney in the picturesque rolling hills east of Anna. We'll be serving up burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings, plus a bounce house for the kids and other outdoor activities for the entire family.

More details will be forthcoming on sponsorships, but tickets will be available for as little as $25 per person (or $50 for the entire immediate family). Please mark your calendar - this will be an opportunity for you to enjoy a little slice of Collin County rural beauty and meet the other grassroots campaigners who will carry Keith to victory in 2010!

Saturday, June 13, 2009, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Pepper Hill Ranch, 3305 CR 427, Anna, TX 75409

If you would like to volunteer for the event, please contact Kim Watts at 214/236-1053 or kimberlywatts@verizon.net.

Pol. Adv. paid for by Friends of Keith Self

Excitement in Collin County Republican Ranks!

2009-04-15T06:24:00.004-05:00

Citizens,

There is growing excitement in the Republican ranks in Collin County! If you attend a club in Collin County, you must be aware of the tremendous energy building across our county.

As I attend various clubs, I meet new folks at every meeting, and I hear similar stories from other clubs. Tracy and I just met a young lady who recently moved into Collin County, googled Republican clubs, and was attending her first club meeting. She had previously not been involved, but plans to do her research and join the club that most closely mirrors her energy and enthusiasm. And there are other stories just like her's.

I believe that the last presidential election and a growing awareness of the massive amounts of debt that every level of government is piling on our children and grandchildren are responsible for this growing excitement, that in many respects, government is out of control. More and more people are realizing that inaction is not an option - that entrenched politicians listen only to direct and vocal action by an informed and engaged citizenry.

This is exciting stuff! The fiscally conservative and openly patriotic message that you and I have proclaimed for years is taking hold across our county! People are deciding that the Constitution is actually important, and that the words in the Constitution have meaning.

There are clubs that are holding their elected officials accountable for how they vote on issues - our investments in transparency and open government are making a difference. There are those who talk about asking Republican candidates where they stand on Republican issues. This is exciting stuff!

This is the time to get your neighbors to come with you to a political meeting. This is the time to join one of the clubs that is growing, the clubs that are building the grassroots army that it will take to defeat the counterattack by those who believe that citizens should just shut up and pay the taxes demanded of them. And believe you me, the counterattack will be fierce and personal, so strap on your spurs and join the team! There many more like you joining our conservative team.

You may have heard of the tea parties happening across the country. There will be five tea parties across Collin County this evening, April 15. This is a great place to start. Come out between 5 - 7 PM at one of the following locations and see what happens when concerned citizens get involved. The parties will be at Park/Preston (Plano), Parker/Preston (Plano), Gaylord/Preston (Frisco), Lebanon/Preston (Frisco), Eldorado/Craig (McKinney). Come stand on a street corner and wave a sign - should be fun!

I'll see you there!

Sincerely,
Keith

Let's Prepare Now for a Robust and Active Campaign

2009-04-06T19:21:00.003-05:00

Citizens,

The events of the past week prove that my re-election campaign will rely upon traditional grassroots activism to counteract personal attacks and negative campaigning.

I would first like to thank all of you who wrote to Tracy and me, expressing your support for us. We are deeply grateful for your encouragement.

The re-election campaign will depend on you, the grassroots of the Republican Party, to carry us to victory. You are the lifeblood of the movement to keep our taxes low and release our energetic and dynamic citizens to achieve their best. At times I believe that you are the only thing standing between us and over-powering government. As this past week as proven, we need to prepare now for a robust and active campaign.

I will maintain my consistent, principled, action-based focus on the issues.

I ask that you continue your strong support for tax relief, public accountability and transparency, and opposition to big-government solutions that rob you of your freedom and individuality.

In the meantime, we need to gather as many dollars as we can prior to the start of the campaign season. If we face significant special interest funding, we can overcome it by hard work and good policies, but we do need as many contributions as possible in order to counter the negative campaigning that we experienced this week, and will experience over the next year.

On my web site at www.KeithSelf.com, there is a "Donate" tab on the left side. Under that tab, you can contribute through the PayPal button if you prefer on-line contributions, or you will find an address if you prefer to send a check.

If all of us contribute something, we can gather enough to counter the opposition, even if we get outspent. I know these are tough times for you. I know that I am asking a lot of you to contribute at all. It doesn't have to be much, and if you cannot, I understand, and value your support during the campaign in some other tangible way. I value and need your hard work as much as your financial contributions.

Together, we can accomplish this. We can continue the reforms of county government that we have started; reforms to keep spending low, to provide easy on-line access to commissioner's court meetings to every citizen, to allow public review of our checkbook.

Come with me as we continue this great experiment of whether or not open and limited government can be sustained in Collin County. I believe that it can.

Sincerely,
Keith

Gov. Rick Perry Highlights Collin County's Fiscal Transparency Achievement

2009-03-25T01:55:00.001-05:00

Written Testimony Submitted to Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee

2009-03-20T15:29:00.005-05:00

The following is my written testimony on March 18, 2009.

Chairman Carona, members of the committee, thank you for holding this hearing on SB 855.

I am Keith Self, the County Judge for Collin County. Almost 800,000 strong, our county has both DART and large non-DART cities - an important point in my testimony.
I will address two major themes in my testimony - tax increases and a view of transit funding in the DART region.

Tax Increases. Collin County Commissioners Court members have stated our support for transit in Collin County. However, this is not the time to levy a tax increase on our citizens. Over the past 20 years, state spending has grown at nearly twice the combined rate of population growth and inflation. This cannot continue. It has nothing to do with whether or not I want it to continue - it is a fact that this rate of government growth is unsustainable. This is the most dangerous aspect of this bill - tax increases in an era of massive government spending amidst a declining economy.

Raising taxes during a recession is absolutely the worst thing to do. Our citizens are tightening their belts and reducing their spending, and government should do the same. We need to leave as many hard-earned dollars in the private sector as possible in order to get through this recession as quickly as possible. We cannot ignore the massive spending in Washington, spending that will impact our taxpayers either through direct tax increases or through inflation as the printing presses run.

Heretofore, Texas remained competitive because we are business friendly; proof positive that capital (both financial and human) goes and stays where it is welcome. In fact, Collin County's best recruiting tools are the high tax and unfriendly business/family policies of other states and counties. Our low taxes, high population growth, jobs, safe streets, good schools, and almost double the national average of bachelor's degrees are among the results. This new tax increase would make us less competitive to attract and retain financial and human capital. Our entrepreneurial citizens will find ways to react the best they can, but eventually the growing weight of government will crush any entrepreneurial spirit.

You will hear the same arguments for this tax that we hear justifying government action in every crisis, real, perceived or manufactured - arguments all based on the children's nursery rhyme, Chicken Little. "The sky is falling. It will only get worse if we don't do something. Only the government is big enough to fix this. We must do something." All these arguments we heard for the multiple federal stimulus packages in the trillions of dollars. We hear the doomsayers justifying massively huge spending just because we no longer trust free markets and free people. I suggest that in "doing something", we not try to repeal the laws of physics, the laws of economics, or federal law. I will address these later.

Winston Churchill once famously said, "A nation that thinks it can tax its way into prosperity is like a man standing in a pail, trying to lift himself by the handle." His wisdom is even truer during a recession.

Turning to the mechanisms detailed in SB 855, I believe that the bill is unworkable at several levels. I will address only transit, which was the genesis of the bill. If these taxes are not dedicated for transit funding, then they become just another general, fungible tax increase supposedly for transportation, much like the lottery was supposed to fund education.

SB 855 prohibits new transit authorities, meaning that DART, the T, or the Denton County Transit Authority will have to provide new capacity in our region. Realistically, in Collin County that means DART.

DART member cities have been contributing to the system for several decades. Plano (one of our three DART cities) has over 800 Million dollars invested in DART, today contributing 60 Million dollars every year - these new tax increases would be on top of that 60 Million per year. I'm not sure what this bill offers as the incentive for Plano voters because it amounts to double taxation on Plano citizens.

DART has a plan through the year 2030 for expansion of the system into their member cities that do not yet have a DART station, like Addison or Rowlett, but I do not believe that DART has conducted planning to incorporate cities that are not DART members.

SB 855 mandates timings for project construction in non-DART cities, planning that DART has not yet conducted. Therefore, I'm not sure how passing a law that mandates new transit construction in Collin County by DART on a fixed schedule could be practically accomplished. DART is working hard to provide new capacity for their member cities who do not yet have service, but the new local tax increases are restricted to projects in the county in which they are raised and limited to a strict timetable actually codified in legislation for the ballot language.

But let's assume that this bill passes, that the required resolutions are obtained (resolutions that realistically include double taxation of Plano) and that the citizens of Collin County approve this tax increase. DART would have two issues that I see:

1) They would want some reimbursement for the system impacts of capital construction to accommodate the added ridership from non-DART cities. However, the funds raised by these new taxes would remain in the county in which they were raised. Collin County taxes would not be available to address the impacts of Collin County riders on the Dallas County sections of DART. In fact, if this issue is not addressed, more Collin County riders would actually limit available seats for Dallas County riders. In effect, you would add more flow without increasing the size of the pipe or increasing the speed of the flow. You cannot repeal the laws of physics.

2) They would want some form of higher fares for our non-DART citizens in order to compensate for the equity that the member cities built up over the past decades. DART ticket fares are heavily subsidized now. A two-tiered, non-subsidized ticket fare structure would be necessary. Higher taxes for DART cities; higher taxes AND higher fares for non-DART cities. This scenario reminds me that Art Laffer of "Laffer curve" fame loves to say, "You cannot repeal the laws of economics." People behave in certain ways under certain incentives, regardless of government efforts to change human nature.

And at the end of the day, transit estimates are that, compared to the number of cars on US 75 daily, only an infinitesimal number of people will ride transit between Plano and McKinney. (Update comment: Estimated 5440 daily transit riders versus approximately 200,000 cars.)

In addition, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has the final federal authority on the regional transportation system. SB 855 purports to give local control over projects under this law, but the MPO controls projects, priorities, and pace under federal law. We also cannot repeal the federal laws that govern the MPO's role.

So if the SB 855 tax increases cannot repeal the laws of physics, or the laws of economics or federal law, we may need other solutions to our transportation needs. SB 855 can certainly collect taxes, but whether or not it can lead to a coherent transit system is a question.

The bottom line is that you may end up with an unenforceable law requiring impossible results on an untenable timeline.

My central message is the same as my testimony in front of this committee two years ago. I recommend that the legislature reprioritize the taxes that our citizens already send to Austin in order to fund transportation. Make transportation a higher priority because since the beginning of commerce a good transportation network has been essential to growth and strength of economy. Fund transportation adequately from the biennial budget as the important priority that it is.

Stop the diversion of our motor fuels tax - stop all diversions. The diversions are another example of taxes being marketed to the public one way and used a different way - again, the example of the lottery supposedly funding education.

Allow private funding for major infrastructure projects. When did we start trusting government more than private enterprise? Let companies invest, accept the risk, and reap the reward for that risk. The way out of the Chicken Little syndrome is to once again trust free markets and free enterprise. Companies will invest when it becomes economically feasible. Our citizens will have a choice of where they invest their transportation dollars. Freedom and mobility will both be increased.

I close with an encounter between Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher, known as The Iron Lady, Prime Minister of Great Britain who rescued Great Britain from socialism in the 1980's. Gorbachev asked Thatcher how she ensured that the people of her nation got enough food. "She didn't", she tartly told him. (There Is No Alternative by Claire Berlinski) Thatcher understood that free markets and free people ensure that goods and services are delivered. The reason the Soviet Union could not resolve the basic necessities of life is because they had a command economy in which the government decided everything, price, quantity, allocation, everything - and they failed. In our nation, the hundreds of millions of individual decisions every day should decide our economy, not some bureaucrat in Arlington or Austin or Washington.

In the command economy of SB 855, all Collin County citizens would pay these tax increases and non-DART cities would also pay higher non-subsidized ticket prices. And that still leaves unresolved some unintended consequences such as paying for added capacity to accommodate additional Collin riders along the Dallas sections of DART and the issue of Plano double taxation. And THAT still leaves the issue of MPO responsibilities to meld together our regional transportation system, regardless of county votes.

Command economies don't work; they only bring more complexity, uncertainty and misery. We should heed the lessons of history - as recently as the 1980s in Great Britain, or we will start experiencing our own lessons of an overbearing command economy here in America.

I encourage you to keep Texas competitive during this world-wide recession. Do not raise taxes.

Legislative Bills, New Taxes, and the New www.KeithSelf.com

2009-03-08T18:24:00.005-05:00

Citizens and supporters,

1) Our unemployment numbers in January went up significantly, in fact one whole percentage point from 5.5% to 6.5%. While we continue to look dramatically better than the state average of 6.8% actual unemployment and the national 8.1%, we are starting to feel the pinch of the national economic drop. Just as you are tightening your belts in order to ride out the recession, your governments ought to tighten our belts as well. Tightening the government belt is not an option during this recession, it is absolutely imperative. If governments even maintain a status quo in spending, the percentage of government spending will increase compared to private spending. We will, of course, continue to watch county government spending closely.

2) This is not the time to raise taxes on our citizens. The entire Commissioners Court has so far stood firm against bills HB 9 and SB 855 in the legislature that would add a whole new set of taxes to fund every sort of transportation and transit project, as well as give authorities over those tax funds to an entity outside the county. We are getting some help in this effort from several organizations in Austin. See http://empowertexans.com/node/848#action and http://www.texaspolicy.com/pdf/2009-03-06-sb855letter.pdf

3) Although the legislature has filed a bill to raise your transportation taxes, oddly enough, it has at the same time filed bills HB 2334 and SB 882 to eliminate the authorities that our county toll road authority has over managing the pace and oversight of the Outer Loop through Collin County. On one hand the legislature is asking you to pay more, but on the other hand, the legislature is gutting our authority over transportation projects. If you care to see the next Commissioners Court discussions on these two sets of bills, watch the court session in real time on Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 AM at http://collin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

4) Www.KeithSelf.com is changing! I want to share with you our exciting web site redesign project. There are a few more changes to be made, but I think we have already added some features that will help spread the word about fiscal responsibility in Collin County.

There is a new Facebook link on the right side of the home page. If you use Facebook, click on that link, become a supporter, and you can share our mutual conservative philosophy with your Facebook friends. Facebook is an excellent networking tool, and I encourage you to use it to share your political interests with your friends.

There is also a new RSS link on the right side. Click on that link to get an automatic feed when I post a blog. This is an excellent feature for new supporters who want to receive blog postings in an effortless way. If you already get the blog email, this will be a duplicate, so choose the automatic feed that you want.

There will be a new Donate tab on March 9th. Under that tab you will find a new Paypal secure on-line method of contributing to our re-election campaign. Many of you are familiar with Paypal and already have accounts. No amount of contribution is too small, and I appreciate every contribution that you send. It is no secret that grassroots voters - you - were instrumental in my election in 2006, and it will be no different in 2010. You are the voters who want fiscal responsibility in your county government. You may not be as vocally shrill as those who demand that government take care of every desire, but you vote, and you work, and you contribute your time, talent, and treasure. And I appreciate every contribution for good government.
Another change over the next week will be an updated photo gallery. Check back later to see the changes.

Of course, you will continue to see the words, "Consistent. Principled. Action." You will also continue to see my writings about county government on the home page.

5) I am preparing for a tough fight next spring during the primary election cycle. I firmly expect a counterattack from those who ascribe to the tax-and-spend view of government. I will need you during the re-election campaign, and I appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Keith

Legislative Priorities, Particularly the Transportation Funding Area

2009-02-15T20:51:00.008-06:00

Citizens,
1) Collin County Days in Austin was very well-attended, well-organized, and well-received. The Chambers of Commerce did a superb job, including coordinating excellent speakers and panelists. Governor Rick Perry keynoted the opening luncheon and set the tone for a successful two days interacting with our legislators and state-wide elected leaders. Numerous meetings were held with all our legislators on subjects of importance to Collin County, including my opportunity to outline our legislative priorities to Governor Perry.

2) The Collin County Republican Party has a really excellent speaker lined up for Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb 20. Michelle Malkin is a nationally recognized and sought-after speaker, columnist, and writer who will entertain and enlighten you with her analysis of the current state of affairs at the national level. Equally impressive is the Master of Ceremonies - Mark Davis, a well-known and popular talk show host here in Dallas. I recommend that you join us for a great evening.

3) Legislative priorities

a) Protect our citizens from the Transportation Funding Area bill. See a more detailed discussion at #4 below.

b) Protect our citizens from HB 515, The Dallas County Hospital District bill that could double your Collin County taxes in order to fund Parkland Hospital. Even Dallas County, in their brochure advocating the $750 million Parkland Hospital bond that they now want Collin County to help pay for, stated that more than 90% of Parkland patients live in Dallas County and that patients in the trauma unit have individual insurance to cover treatment costs "at no cost to the Dallas County taxpayer." Now why does Parkland Hospital require Collin County tax money?

c) Support the Collin County Toll Road Authority as another tool in the toolbox to build the Collin County Outer Loop. The North Texas Tollway Authority is doing the heavy lifting on a number of toll roads in the region, including some that are not currently financially feasible, so it is increasingly important that Collin County move the County Outer Loop forward when it becomes necessary and feasible in order to continue to provide transportation to our growing population.

d) Support a bill to allow price to play a part in selection of engineering firms for professional services contracts. We can cut costs to the taxpayer without sacrificing one bit of safety.

e) Absent a regional effort (which does not seem to be developing) support a bill to authorize moving the $3.2 Billion in regional SH121 funds into the North Texas region.

4) The Transportation Funding Area would be a new taxing district that would impose a whole series of potential new taxes to fund transportation projects. This new taxing district would be in addition to your school district, city, county, and community college property taxes, in addition to the tolls that you pay on the 121 and George Bush tollways, and in addition to the transportation bonds that you approved in 2007. The TFA bill seems to be written so that it goes around the fiscally responsible Collin County Commissioners Court. First, the Regional Transportation Council selects projects for Collin County - Collin County has only 4 seats of 44 total seats on the council. Remember, the RTC is the organization that overcharged Collin County by $600 Million from the NTTA advance payment to the region on SH121. Second, the bill gives city councils that represent a total of 60% of county population the authority to force an election on the whole county.

Your fiscally responsible Commissioners Court will be delivering our views of this new taxing district across the county and in Austin.

The potential taxes add up to a hefty chunk. (Note: these are changing as the bill evolves.)

- A new county gas tax of up to 10 cents per gallon. This is in addition to any increased federal gas tax or increased state gas tax. And the legislature has not yet fully committed to stopping the diversions of the gas tax that you already pay to non-transportation expenditures.

- A parking fee up to $1 per hour.

- A "mobility improvement fee" up to $60.

- An annual emissions fee up to $15.

- A driver's license fee of up to $24.

- A roadway impact on initial vehicle registration fee up to $250.

This bill is structured with the belief that you, the voter, will vote for any tax that is put on a ballot with no discernment whether or not the added tax is absolutely necessary or not. Where is the review to make sure that every tax dollar is being spent as wisely as possible before we add yet another tax? Where is the prioritization to make sure that your tax dollars are being spent for the most important government functions? More taxes of every kind is always the answer from most government entities because that is what increases their power and authority, but limits the review of how they spend the tax dollars you already give them. Sometimes I think that elected officials confuse government with a commercial company - something to be grown as large as possible.

What you can do: Be aware. Watch the progress of this bill. Watch the language that is used; language that will mirror the language used for the federal stimulus package - something must be done or a catastrophe will happen. Call or write (do not email) your state representative. Call or write your city council.

5) Please pass these emails to your friends so that the transparency of county politics continues to grow, that more citizens become aware of the actions of YOUR government.

Sincerely,
Keith

District Courts, Legislative Session, and Cost Cutting

2009-01-31T11:57:00.004-06:00

1. District Courts

Collin County added a new District Court on January 1, 2009, when Governor Perry appointed Judge Jill Willis to the bench of the 429th District Court. This is Collin County's ninth district court, which provides additional felony court capacity to your judicial system.

As we worked through the process of adding the 429th and considered our county agenda for the current legislative session, it became obvious that our district courts are providing timely justice to you, the citizens of Collin County.

Some of you may have seen the piece on the county web site at http://collincountytx.gov/public_information/features/dc_efficiency.jsp which gave a few details about how promptly civil cases - non-criminal cases that directly affect you and your businesses - are handled in the district courts.

That is only a small glimpse of the details as reported by the State that speak highly of our judicial system; details that ought to give you confidence in a judicial system that will continue to provide timely justice into the future with the addition of the 429th.

2. Legislative session

This will be an active session in Austin for your Commissioners Court members. There is much more interaction with our legislators this year than during the 2007 session, and the issues affecting Collin County require more time this year.

Transportation issues look to dominate the session, but we will also address a new State requirement for a Ground Water Conservation District.

There is always the possibility that the legislature will again attempt to put us in a hospital district with Dallas County, which would dramatically increase your taxes in spite of the fact that our Collin hospitals already absorb over $120 Million every year in uncompensated healthcare costs.

And there is a proposal to institute a transportation district (although it is no longer called a district because of the implications of the word.) Another new tax - actually, perhaps several new taxes. Every time you read the word "district," grab your wallet. We are encouraging the State to abide by the SH121 financial agreement and to adequately fund transportation in Texas with the taxes that you already pay.

There is a lot of work to be done. I have already traveled to Austin several times this month, and will join a delegation of civic, business and government leaders in Austin at Collin County Days on February 9-10.

3. Cost cutting

If you review the January 27 Commissioners Court agenda, you will see three change order items that include words such as "reduction" and "decrease."

http://public1.co.collin.tx.us/public_notices/Lists/Public%20Meetings/Attachments/555/Agenda%20CC.pdf

Your county staff is making a strong effort to make sure that the county is not overpaying for goods and services during this downturn in the economy and I am confident that you will see more reductions in the future. Reducing our costs is a major initiative as we go into the next budget cycle. You are making decisions to tighten your belt, and the county ought to do the same.

It is an honor to serve you through these challenging days,
Keith

Consistent. Principled. Action.

2009-01-17T06:45:00.004-06:00

1. You see three words at the top of this page. Consistent. Principled. Action. They will remain there through my re-election campaign. They symbolize my approach to my job, preparation for court sessions, looking at facts rather than being governed only by emotions.

We will see changes this year at every level of government. The feds are spending more than a trillion dollar in stimulus, which means that you will pay more taxes either through direct taxation or indirectly through inflation.

The State will also cope with the economic downturn through the next five months during the legislative session in Austin. Their actions remain to be seen.

I will continue to work to make sure that every dollar that Collin County government spends is absolutely necessary so that we leave as many of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket as possible as you go through this downturn. It will be more important than ever that we fund only core county functions, not every idea that crosses our path.

In all of the turmoil surrounding the economic downturn, we see a stark difference between two visions of government.

It is no secret that I believe in that vision that sees success in freedom; freedom for our individuals and our families; freedom from excessive government and high taxes. Freedom still works, although that idea is under attack at every level of government. Although those responsible deny it, the current downturn is due in part to excessive government meddling in free enterprise.

As Ronald Reagan said in 1984, "I am going to talk of controversial things. I make no apology for this. It's time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers. James Madison said, "We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self government." This idea -- that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power -- is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man's relation to man."

As Ronald Reagan did, I still believe in this great experiment in freedom called America, even when it seems that faith only in government is on the rise. I am reminded of Milton Friedman's quote, "If the federal government were put in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there would be a shortage of sand."

Freedom cannot become just a slogan because words have meaning, and freedom is deeply meaningful to Americans. I refuse to believe that "freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose" - a line from the old '60s song, "Me and Bobby McGee." Freedom is the foundation of everything that we hold dear - including the concept of self-government. Let's not lose our freedom in this rush to centralize power and ownership by the federal government in a moment of crisis.

A newspaper in London, England closed a recent article with, "And now the US, like Britain before it, has begun the long slow descent into the Third World. How sad. Where now is our last best hope on Earth?"

I refuse to accept that verdict. As Abraham Lincoln said in 1862, "We hold the power, and bear the responsibility. (Emphasis added.) We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth."

I look forward to your feedback at Keith@KeithSelf.com

2. Commissioner Matt Shaheen took his Precinct 1 seat at the first Commissioners Court session of 2009 on January 12. Please welcome Commissioner Shaheen to your county government.

3. As we start to ramp up for our re-election campaign, remember that I campaigned in 2006 on three core issues:
a) Slow the growth of government
b) Transportation
c) Transparency in government

We will be discussing the current state of these issues over the next months.

Sincerely,
Keith

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-22T06:05:00.003-06:00

Fellow Citizens,

Tracy and I wish you and your's a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you during 2008, and I look forward to continuing to represent your interests during 2009.

I open our next year together with a quote from Ronald Reagan during his inaugural address in 1981:

"We hear much of special interest groups. Our concern must be for a special interest group that has been too long neglected....It knows no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divisions, and it crosses political party lines. It is made up of men and women who raise our food, patrol our streets, man our mines and our factories, teach our children, keep our homes, and heal us when we are sick - professionals, industrialists, shopkeepers, clerks, cabbies, and truck drivers....They are, in short, 'We the people,' this breed called Americans."

Merry Christmas!

Keith

Last Election Review and New "Tidbit"

2008-11-08T05:34:00.002-06:00

Citizens,
This is our last election review before we get back to covering county government. I plan to occasionally include a "Tidbit About County Government." The first "Tidbit" is at the bottom of this message.

We had very good results in our county election. I appreciate the great turnout and the overwhelming Republican majority that continues to hold principles of limited government; a majority that understands that it is the private sector, not government, that creates jobs; a majority that takes responsibility for their lives.

Rather than do a detailed analysis of the election results - you are reading and hearing plenty of that - I just want to recognize the tremendous grassroots effort expended by a host of experienced volunteers and many new volunteers. The new volunteers will provide the new blood, the new energy for Collin County to continue to hold our principles dear.

Thank you each and every one, volunteers and voters alike.

I will once again resume my open discussions with you regarding issues and votes on the Commissioners Court. We have heard a chorus of voices telling us that Republicans should govern as we campaign and I will continue to do exactly that.

I ask that you start sending my emails to your like-minded friends. I stand for re-election in the 2010 primary, and we start building toward that date today.

On that note, please alert me to events in your neighborhood that I need to attend. Just a simple email will let me know that you think I need to be there. Just as in my first campaign, I will depend on you, the grassroots, for victory.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Keith

Tidbit About County Government:
Approximately 10% of Collin County budget expenditures are not set by your Commissioners Court, but by other elected officials in the county. The Commissioners Court is responsible for raising the revenue to fund those budget items, but has no control over the size of 10% of the total county budget.

Early Voting to Guard Our Birthright

2008-10-19T15:26:00.002-05:00

Concerned citizens,

The political campaigns from the White House to the county courthouse will culminate on Election Day, November 4.

Now it is time to contribute your vote to victory. Early voting starts tomorrow, Monday, October 20. If you vote early, you relieve the local campaigns of the burden of having to contact you later and they can concentrate on other potential voters. You can vote this week at any early voting location, which you can find at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_information/2008/110408/ED110408.html

The national election may well determine whether or not our nation embraces the socialist policy of "spreading the wealth around" being advocated by the Democrat candidate. I go back to 1864 to the closing days of the Civil War to find a suitable sentiment by President Abraham Lincoln, in words that he could speak to us today.

"It is not merely for today, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate this great and free (system of) government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours. It is in order that each of you may have through this free (system of) government - an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations. It is for this the struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthright. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel." Abraham Lincoln

Let us dedicate ourselves to guarding our birthright of freedom. Previous national elections offered clear policy differences, but no election in my lifetime offered a choice by one party so diametrically opposed to freedom.

The challenges facing our nation today are not simple, but as Ronald Reagan both advocated and demonstrated, the solution is simple - freedom, which must include limited government.

I ask you to support our entire Republican slate - vote Republican!

We all owe thanks to the Republican coordinators who assigned volunteers, who drove many miles to pick up signs, who coordinated the phone banks, who manned the office, who coordinated many other volunteer activities. They are the organization that harnessed the energies of the 500 volunteers who committed time and talent to the various campaigns across Collin County. Thank you to each and every one.

I also thank the many volunteers who worked wherever necessary to ensure Republican victory. Every one contributed to our efforts, and every effort paid dividends. Thank you to each and every one.

Sincerely,
Keith

Update on Victory 2008 and Two Proposed Taxing Districts

2008-10-09T10:01:00.004-05:00

Citizens,

1. As the Collin County Victory 2008 Chairman, I am personally interested and involved in victory for the Republican candidates on the ballot next month. The local race for County Commissioner in precinct 4 is heating up as the Democrats target central Plano in this election to attempt to break our Republican stronghold in the county. Every Republican at every level on the ballot will feel the effects of this concerted effort in Plano, but Commissioner Kathy Ward is carrying the most immediate burden because she has a Democrat opponent.

Collin County Republican Party Chairman Fred Moses and I made the decision to surge all available assets into precinct 4 for the remainder of the campaign. We will continue to support other Republican candidates' campaign efforts, but the bulk of our resources will be made available to Kathy Ward as she fights off a concerted Democrat effort in her precinct.

I am writing to you to ask you to help in any way you can. If you are willing to help maintain our Republican majority in Collin County, please contact the Republican Party headquarters at (972) 540-5985 and specifically offer to support Kathy's campaign. If you can make phone calls, or if you can help walk her precincts, or even support Kathy with your financial contributions, please do so.

2. There are now two taxing districts that are being discussed at the regional level in order to get your tax dollars. I have previously written about the hospital district, and I will be in Austin again on Monday, testifying against any attempt to tax Collin County to unduly support Parkland Hospital. Our own Collin County hospitals have large amounts of uncompensated care costs of our own and we do not need to subsidize Parkland any more than we already do through our current taxes.

The second district now under consideration is a transportation district. Much like the hospital district, the transportation district would become a huge taxing district for the region. Decisions would be beyond the control of your elected officials. We are watching this effort very closely for you.

It is an honor to serve you, and I ask for your vote for our Republican candidates. It is vital that we give our Texas electoral votes to McCain/Palin, and elect Republicans from the White House to the county courthouse.

Sincerely,
Keith

This is One Exciting Campaign!

2008-09-29T08:06:00.002-05:00

Citizens,

Campaign activities are in full swing. Multiple precinct walks happen every Saturday, there are well over 300 volunteers doing many tasks, and the Elections Office has temporary employees processing new registration cards daily. This will be an exciting election in Collin County! Sarah Palin charged this campaign with new energy, and it continues to reverberate across the entire country. Let's use that energy and our great candidates from the top of the ballot to the bottom to elect Republicans from the Collin County Courthouse to the White House!
If you can help out, please call headquarters at (972) 540-5985.

Registration must be done by October 6, a week from today, if you or your friends plan to vote on November 4. Let's keep those Republican registrations flowing into the Elections Office.

For a more complete listing of events between now and Election Day, consult the calendar on the Collin County Republican Headquarters web site at http://www.collincountygop.com/Calendar.aspx

McCain-Palin signs and stickers are in short supply, so call now to check the status and to get yours.

Keep up the energy contacting your friends and family to register and vote. We have two sitting Republican commissioners who have Democrat opponents, Joe Jaynes and Kathy Ward. They need the support of the entire Republican base as we defend our Republican values here in Collin County. Joe, of course, is running for re-election, while Kathy was elected by the precinct chairmen of her precinct to be their nominee on the general election ballot. Now is the time to rally behind all our Republican candidates in the general election.

Budget

I have much to tell you about the budget, but it will have to wait until after the election. I believe that you will be pleased with the budget that we passed. Just a hint: you now have BOTH a new 5% homestead exemption AND a new 1/4 cent county tax rate decrease.

Transportation

There is a great deal of negotiations going on behind the scenes, and I hope that before January, we will have good news on the SH121 funds coming to the region.

If you are in the Farmersville area on Saturday morning, I hope to see you at the parade and the unveiling of the Texas Historical Marker celebrating Audie Murphy.

Sincerely,
Keith

Testimony on Collin County Being Forced into a Dallas Hospital District

2008-09-13T11:29:00.003-05:00

Fellow citizens,

On Thursday, September 11, I testified before the Texas Senate Subcommittee on General Government Issues, a subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, on the issue of funding for public hospitals and the role of surrounding counties. You may see my testimony at http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/commit/c540/c540.htm

As background, there will be another effort during the next legislative session to include Collin County in a taxing hospital district to support Parkland Hospital in Dallas - normally justified because of an urban legend that Collin County does not pay for treatment for indigents that seek treatment at Parkland. The urban legend is false.

Prepared statement by County Judge Keith Self, Collin County, before the Senate Subcommittee on General Government Issues, September 11, 2008

Quote:

Mr. Chairman, thank you for taking my testimony on a subject that is vitally important to the future of Collin County.

First, let me dispel an urban legend that circulates time and time again around the Dallas area, much like we occasionally hear of the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. Some routinely regurgitate stories that Collin County somehow does not pay for treatment provided to Collin County indigent citizens by Parkland Hospital.

The truth is that Collin County pays for all treatment provided by Parkland Hospital to Collin County indigents. In fact, Collin County pays for indigent healthcare at 100% of federal poverty level, almost 5 times the state-mandated 21% of FPL. I have here the letters that I wrote to the Dallas County Judge each month, detailing the payments we made to Parkland Hospital during 2008. The urban legend that thousands of Collin County citizens are flooding Parkland Hospital and somehow causing financial harm to Parkland is false.

Rather than debating what Collin County ought to pay Parkland Hospital, I want to focus on the small number of Collin County patients for which Parkland requests payment from Collin County. During the current fiscal year-to-date, Collin County Health Care Services has received 108 referrals from Parkland Hospital. Just 108. And that is a precipitous drop from the 533 referrals received last year. In this case, a referral is a request by Parkland for payment for treatment provided to a patient who was unable to pay for that treatment. Now, 108 patients is an infinitesimal number compared to the yearly patient load at Parkland. I will also submit a list to the committee staff that itemizes the amounts billed and paid to Parkland Hospital for our citizens. The total amount billed for the current fiscal year is $205,128.41 and the total amount paid based on approved Medicaid rates is $68,348.75 YTD. Of course, these 108 patients could be either uninsured or indigent; we pay for verified indigents per state law.

Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation - 8th fastest by raw numbers, the fastest by percentage growth among large counties. We grow by approximately 5% every year. Now 750,000 in population, Collin County can, and increasingly does, take care of our own. Home to 7 hospitals, with several more under construction, Collin County has the healthcare infrastructure to provide necessary care in our county. One indication that we are providing for our citizens is the significant decrease in referrals from Parkland Hospital of 533 in FY 2007, to the 108 referrals this year-to-date.

Collin County hospitals treat vastly larger numbers of patients who are unable to pay for their treatment. One Collin County Emergency Room receives approximately 25,000 ER visits per year with approximately 23-25% patients who are unable to pay for treatment (either uninsured or indigent.) That means some 6,000 patients at this one Collin County hospital compared to the 108 referred by Parkland. This particular hospital's charity budget is approximately 3.5% of their total budget. I am told that most non-profit hospitals budget approximately 4% for charity care.

Collin County also has several other programs to treat our indigent citizens. Collin County funds and continues to see increased use of the PrimaCare Program which currently enhances the Indigent Program. This program encourages our indigent citizens to seek primary care at one of several privately-operated clinic locations instead of going to an emergency room.

We also continue service agreements with several non-profit organizations that also provide treatment to indigent citizens.

The bottom line is that Collin County is capable and willing to treat our own citizens.

If an effort is made during the legislative session to put Collin County into a hospital district, make no mistake about it - it will be only to extort tax monies from Collin County - it will not be to treat Collin County citizens. Collin County takes care of its own.

I encourage you, and the entire legislature, to follow the wisdom of Frederic Bastiat in his important work, The Law. As he wrote, "try liberty," try liberty for Collin County to provide for our citizens.

Thank you for hearing my testimony.

End quote.

Sincerely,
Keith

Public Hearing on Budget, Open Government, and Sarah Palin

2008-09-01T16:27:00.003-05:00

Fellow Citizens,

1. The second and last public hearing on next year's county budget is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2, at 7 PM in the new county courthouse at US 75 and Bloomdale. You are encouraged to attend and make comments if you choose. The Commissioners Court will formally pass the budget on September 9.

2. Your county government is becoming more open and transparent.

a. Webcasting of the Commissioner Court has been available on the county web site since early this year at http://collin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
The response to webcasting has been very positive. One of the unexpected benefits is that since anyone can now attend the meetings virtually, it is much harder to misrepresent court discussions.

b. Actual county expenditures are now also on-line at http://public1.co.collin.tx.us/transparency/default.aspx Other important data is also available at the same site. I hope the presentation will mature over time, but the data is available to you now, in addition to an electronic form to request additional back-up information.

I believe that open and honest government is foundational to an informed electorate. I ask you to take advantage of the information provided in order to get to know your county government better.

3. Sarah Palin is an excellent choice for Vice President!

As the chairman of the Collin County Victory 2008 campaign, I am absolutely energized and motivated by John McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate!

This is a ticket that we can fully support against the solidly socialist ticket of the first- and third-most liberal US senators that has been fielded by the opposition. You may have seen the tremendous fund-raising surge that her selection has already generated.

NOW is the time for us to recommit ourselves to electing candidates who represent our values of personal freedom and responsibility, private property, free markets, low taxes and limited government. Collin County is a dynamic and secure place to live, work, and raise your family - let's keep it that way by exercising our most fundamental right in November - the vote. Your vote will make a difference from the county courthouse to the White House!

Election Day is only 65 days!

Sincerely,
Keith

Latest Budget Update

2008-08-20T18:19:00.004-05:00

Fellow citizens,

The budget process continues. The Commissioners Court will adopt the budget on September 9, and until then, we appreciate your inputs. I have just two points on the budget for you today.

1) The 2.1% "tax increase" legal notice published in the newspaper does NOT apply to your personal taxes. It reflects the overall increase in tax dollars that will be collected by the county from all county taxpayers. Our tax base grew by more than 4%, so a 2.1% overall tax increase means that we have slowed the growth of county government below the rate of tax base increase, and your individual tax burden should decrease due to the new 5% homestead exemption and the proposed tax rate decrease.

2) You may be surprised to learn that the Commissioners Court does NOT control every county department's budget. The District Judges, for example, set the auditor's budget.

The District Judges recently increased the auditor's employees by more than 14% and increased the auditor's budget by more than 11%. By comparison, overall county personnel increased by 3% and the county operating budget will increase by approximately 4% when all adjustments are made before September 9.

Part of this discrepancy may be due to the Commissioners Court new technology initiatives to improve productivity of our current employees, including an initiative to upgrade the auditor's office. Increased employee productivity decreases the need to add as many new employees.

The District Judges' budget meetings are open meetings just like the Commissioners Court, so you can get a transcript of the meeting by contacting Tim Wyatt at 972-548-4673 if you would like to read their deliberations.

Sincerely,
Keith

Collin County is First in the Nation to Post County Check Register On-line

2008-08-13T20:21:00.004-05:00

Citizens,

Collin County recently became the first county in the nation to post our checkbook on-line. You may view the check registers at http://public1.co.collin.tx.us/transparency/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2ftransparency%2fCheck%20Registers%2fCheck%20Registers%202008&View=%7bD87971CB%2d13E8%2d47E6%2d815B%2d70E60096B327%7d

There is also an electronic form that can be filed on-line in order to request the backup documentation for the check register entry that you wish to examine.

Empower Texans, an organization that "exists to create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government" wrote that:

"Not only is Collin County one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, it's now leading the nation in full fiscal transparency. Located north of Dallas and encompassing Plano, McKinney and Frisco, taxpayers there now have unprecedented access to the county's spending in almost real time. The first county in the nation to do so, we'll see if Texas' 253 other counties voluntarily follow suit.... Open to review 24 hours, day and night, taxpayers can check out the payments made to the DISH Network, for example, and see down to the penny how their money is being spent. It's a work in progress, but the website raises the standard for local government around the country.... The fiscally responsible bent of the Collin County commissioners is evident not just in transparency. At a time when school districts, cities and counties elsewhere in the state are threatening tax hikes to cover increased expenses, Collin County taxpayers can look forward to a tax rate cut as well as a larger "homestead" exemption on their residential property."
By MQSullivan, Wed, 08/13/2008
http://www.empowertexans.com/node/639

I appreciate the strong support of the county auditor in this effort.

Sincerely,
Keith

Proposed Budget Highlights

2008-08-07T21:13:00.001-05:00

Citizens,

The recent week-long workshop to develop the county budget for next year did a good job of balancing the reality of the current economy with the needs of a fast-growing county.

Unless changes are made to the proposed budget before it is adopted as scheduled on September 9, you will gain both a 5% homestead exemption approved in June AND a 1/4 cent county tax rate decrease. For the average taxpayer, that will reduce your county tax burden in real dollars.

The Commissioners Court committed more dollars to pay down the $111 million future unfunded liability in two retiree programs. That commitment today will reduce the liability burden for future generations in Collin County - your children and grandchildren.

The Commissioners Court also accepted the recommendations of the citizens who served on the Elected Officials' Salary Committee. The citizens demonstrated that they understand current market conditions when they recommended a 3.5% salary increase for elected officials. The court accepted that recommendation; then followed up with salary increases of 3.5% for the vast majority of county employees on pay-for-performance. Both actions took into account the reality of smaller wage increases in the private sector for you, the taxpayer.

Two public hearings are scheduled on the proposed budget, August 26 during daytime hours and September 2 during evening hours. I invite you to attend one of the public hearings.

There are other elements of the budget that I may address as necessary as we continue through the budget process, but this gives you the major points of the proposed budget.

Sincerely,
Keith