Hood County News from Granbury, Texas • Page 42

The Original Newcomer Visitor's Guide 1999-2000 Hood County News Page 8, Wednesday, June 30, 1999 Go County and city officials here to serve a.m. Notices of meetings are posted at least 24 hours in advance on the bullentin board inside the west door of the courthouse. of vi Junior Leadership Granbury Hood County Commissioners' offices are located in the Hood County Annex I at 1404 W. Pearl St. Phone: 579-3300.

Hood County is directed by county judge Linda Steen and a commissioners' court consisting of one commissioner from each of four precincts. Precinct 1 (northwest Hood County) Bob Anderson of Rough Creek Precinct 2 (southwest Hood County) Cliff Moody of Pecan Plantation Precinct 3 (southeast Hood County) Ron Cullers of deCordova Bend Estates Precinct 4 (northeast Hood County) Al Bulloch of Sky Harbor Commissioners meet the first and third Mondays of each month in County Annex III on West Pearl Street. First meeting of the month is held at 7 p.m., the second is at 9 County commissioners honor Junior commissioner Cliff Moody. Commission-Leadership Granbury students Prisciua ers meet the second and fourth Mondays Ayala and Jonathan Morales during a re- of every month in the commissioners' cent county meeting. County officials courtroom at County Annex III on West pictured are (from left to right) commis- Pearl Street Second Monday meetings sioner Al Bulloch, county judge Linda are at 7 p-m.

Fourth Mondays are at 9 City of Granbury Granbury city offices are at city hall at 1 16 W. Bridge St. Phone: 573-1114. Mayorcouncilcity manager system of government. A city charter was approved by voters in January 1989..

Mayor: David Southern Council members: Cissy Wilson (mayor pro-tem) Lisa Johnson Steve Reid Scott Lancaster Bill Hooks The mayor and council members each serve 2-year terms. The council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the GISD board room at 600 W. Pearl Street. Meetings are Steen, commissioner Ron Cullers and open to the public.

Pre-meeting briefings of council by city staffers begin at 5:30 p.m. City manager: Bob Brockman Assistant city manager: Bob Evart Police Chief: Randy Jaquess Community development director Harold Sandel Director of Public works: Richard English Parks and recreation director: John Holt City health inspector: James McAusland Judge Linda Steen sets precedents with all the commissioners as well as all county employees is vital in making long-range plans for the county. "There is a wealth of knowledge and talent within the county staff, as well as in the county itself, that we need to utilize when we plan for our future," states Steen. For the first time in Hood County's history, the entire commissioners' court is comprised entirely of Republicans. Al Bulloch won over Kennith Umphress, the last Democrat commissioner, in November's election.

Steen believes the all-Republican commissioners' court will be able to represent all of the people of Hood County. "Elected officials work for all residents of Hood County and Linda Steen made history for Hood County in January when she was sworn in as the first female county judge. Steen is part of another unprecedented event-she and all other elected officials in Hood County are Republicans; "Although I was elected on the Republican ticket, I represent all the residents of Hood County," states Steen, a retired state juvenile prison superintendent. "I want to see decisions made not by party politics, but by effective leadership and cooperative efforts." Cooperation between the city and county was one of Steen's platforms during her race. Even before being sworn in, Steen had already met one-on-one with city council members and the mayor, and is striving for a good working court-number one is to unify the commissioners' court and lead the court to address issues and be goal oriented.

"We need to prioritize our goals," Steen says, "and to be team oriented." Steen considers communication the key in creating a team. "The right hand has to talk to the left hand in order to work to the best of their abilities," states Steen. Protecting Hood County's history and heritage is important to Steen, having been reared in Hood County. "The pride in our county's history and heritage is what drove the Jeannine Macons and the Mary Lou Watkinses to do the wonderful work they did, and are doing," said Steen. "That same pride drives me also." Steen feels an enormous amount of excitement in becoming Hood County's first female judge.

"It is one, if not the, most exciting and rewarding experience of my life. I am truly grateful to be given the opportunity to give back to those who so generously gave to me and my family." HCNntattl aland naRii Linda Steen, Hood County's first female county judge we should, and will, remember that on a daily basis," says Steen. Not only does Steen have personal goals as county judge, she has several goals for the commissioners' believes that respect is present. Management of the county's growth is a major concern to Steen, who thinks that a collaborative effort relationship between the city and the county. "With a fair amount of respect," said Steen, "you can work through just about anything." Steen.