A Commitment to Open Government That Actually Means Something

Transparency is not a slogan. It is a discipline. It is how decisions are made, how information flows, and how leaders behave when no one is watching. This administration treats openness as the default, not a concession.

The goal is simple. If a decision affects the public, the public should understand how it was made, why it was made, and who was accountable for it.

Open Door Policy That Is Real, Not Performative

An open door does not mean chaos. It means access.

• Scheduled public office hours every week for residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders
• Clear intake process so no one needs connections to be heard
• Written follow up on concerns raised so conversations do not disappear into a void
• No filtering based on political affiliation, donor status, or familiarity

If someone takes the time to show up, they deserve respect and a response.

Meetings That Belong to the Public

Public meetings exist to conduct public business. That principle will guide every agenda.

• Commissioners Court agendas written in plain language
• Backup materials posted early and in full, not dumped last minute
• Clear explanation of what action is being taken and why
• No burying major decisions in consent agendas

If the county is about to spend money, sign contracts, or change policy, residents should not need a law degree to follow along.

Executive Sessions Used Only When the Law Requires It

Closed door meetings are sometimes legally necessary. They are also easy to abuse.

This administration will:

• Use executive session only for matters explicitly allowed by Texas law
• Publicly cite the legal justification for every closed session
• Limit closed discussions to the narrow subject permitted
• Return to open session and summarize outcomes whenever legally allowed

No broad fishing expeditions. No convenient secrecy. No hiding uncomfortable conversations behind legal language.

Mandatory Professional Training on Transparency and Open Meetings

Ignorance is not an excuse. Everyone with authority to call or participate in closed meetings will be trained.

Training will include:

• Texas Open Meetings Act requirements
• Public Information Act responsibilities
• When executive session is allowed and when it is not
• How to protect sensitive information without abusing secrecy
• How to document decisions for public accountability

This applies to elected officials, senior staff, department heads, and legal advisors. If you hold power, you learn the rules.

Radical Clarity in Budgeting and Spending

Money is where trust is gained or lost.

• Budget decisions explained in plain language
• Clear distinction between needs, wants, and future planning
• Public dashboards showing major spending categories
• Honest discussion of tradeoffs, not just wins

Residents should be able to see where dollars go and why. No smoke. No mirrors.

Transparency in Leadership Conduct

Leadership behavior sets the tone.

• No back channel decision making
• No shadow authority outside formal roles
• Clear lines of responsibility for every major decision
• Willingness to own mistakes publicly and correct them

Trust grows when leaders act like adults and speak like humans.

Media and Public Communication

An informed public is a safer, stronger public.

• Open access to media without favoritism
• Regular briefings during emergencies or major county actions
• Clear, factual communication even when the news is uncomfortable
• No punishment for criticism

Government does not exist to manage optics. It exists to serve people.

What Transparency Actually Means Under This Administration

It means you may not always agree with decisions, but you will never be confused about how they were made.

It means fewer surprises, fewer rumors, and fewer deals made in silence.

It means leadership that respects residents enough to tell the truth, explain constraints, and show its work.

Final Principle

The County Judge does not rule. The County Judge coordinates, explains, listens, and delivers.

Transparency is how we earn legitimacy. Accountability is how we keep it.

This is not a promise to be perfect.
It is a promise to be visible, responsible, and honest.