AN OPEN LETTER FROM GREG MIDDENTS

I am Greg Middents and with your vote, I’ll be your next County Judge. This is my last “Open Letter” in this campaign. As County Judge I will continue these “Open Letters” as a way to keep you informed and ask for your input. If you have missed reading other “Open Letters” please go to my web page at gregmiddents.com.

The County Judge says I am questioning his integrity and character by talking about his record in office. Well, his record just like mine is fair game and his record is not a proud one.

It is important that we voters finally have called him on the carpet.

Last months’ “Open Letter” was on economic development. I need to add more information on that topic because at the last four debates, the incumbent County Judge reinforced his desire to be the “Economic Czar of Grayson County.”

I have no desire to be the “Economic Czar of Grayson County.” As County Judge I will do everything possible to attract businesses to our county, but we will work as a with the economic development professionals in the cities and the area Chamber of Commerce’s. These entities have budgets, professional staff and expertise in bringing in business and industry to Grayson County. I am bewildered amazed that the incumbent Judge thinks this is one of his roles. In fact, if you look at what a County Judge in Texas is required to do, economic development chief… in this case “Czar,” is not in the job description. If you look at the budget for our county there is no “line item” for economic development. How can you legitimately propose economic development without even a budget?

There is no “I” in TEAM WORK. The incumbents reputation for “Bullying” “Strong Arm Tactics”are not successful to attract business or provide positive leadership. In fact, we lose credibility and trust with such actions.

Maybe the incumbent County Judge has another secret deal with his buddies at “Black Knights” that he is keeping us in the dark about? Maybe MD Helicopter is really coming to Grayson County and he just wants to surprise us five days before the election with the big announcement?

Serious intentions need budgeted money to back up all the rhetoric … this is another mistake I see with the current incumbent County Judge.

HE IS ALL TALK As a former Texas Governor once said, “All Hat and No Cattle.”

Why did the contractor not only make his typical profit, but then had a “set up” receiving $8,500,000 additional extra profit? Why should citizens be required to pay for both a non-competitive bid for Hwy 289 plus pay for excessive profits by the contractor?

Our Commissioner’s Court has become “a little too friendly” with contractors who business with the county. Taking “free fishing trips to Alaska” and other “favors” is very dubious. If fact, the incumbent County Judge said publicly that he wanted to go on that “Alaska fishing trip,” but he realized it didn’t pass his “smell test.” I commend him for saying that.

It’s Your Choice Grayson County?

We are in the closing days of this campaign. I want you to know that I have enjoyed talking and listening to you. I like that one on one, person to person contact when you meet me and I meet you.

On the Fourth of July, we spent the day in Tioga. In fact, Tioga had the best fireworks display in Texoma. These last few weeks we have been at several main street events plus “National Night Outs” around the county. In Collinsville I met a man who relative was the first Grayson County Judge.

As your next County Judge, these are some of the items that I will do:

Be a leader who has the KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES to get the job done.Be a “Full-Time County Judge” who will work for you.I will not leave the office at 2 pm and be unavailable.

I will bring LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY and TRANSPARENCY.

LEADERSHIP

In November of 2009 I finished my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver.

Have Commissions’ Court meetings shown live on the web where the citizens can hear and see their elected official in action. Letting citizens speak at Commissioners’ Court.

I will restore the “Public Comment” at the weekly meeting.

For 16 years I have had the honor and privilege to serve as your Justice of the Peace, serving our county seat. Working in the Courthouse / Justice Center gave me first hand knowledge and insight about the operation of our county government. I saw the good and unfortunately I also saw the bad. As Justice of the Peace, I was on call 24/7 for 16 years. In fact, I jokingly tell people that my home away from home was the county jail and the local ER at the local hospital because I was there so often.

Public service and community service is what I am about. My core beliefs and values will be based on what is best for the people of our county. One of my favorite passages from the Bible comes from the Old Testament, Book of Micah: “Doing justice, showing kindness and walking humbly among my neighbors and with God.” That is my creed and my oath to you as your next County Judge.

Transparency and Openness are two of the best ways to restore trust in our county. I would be honored and humbled if you give me that opportunity.