My first commissioners court meeting

Several weeks ago I went to my first and only Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting, wanting to weigh in on jail employee wage increases.

I arrived late, missed my chance to comment, but stayed just to see how the sausage is made. It was fascinating. Agenda items ranged from PR opportunities to strictly business.

For each item people could step up and comment. Some comments were from concerned citizens, some from paid professionals. There was one guy, a veteran, who made a good, and obviously prepared, point about an issue. Later he got up to ask a question on another issue that seemed more impromptu, like it was something he was not planning to comment on.

He simply asked why a spending item, which was about to be approved unanimously, without explanation, was being allowed to avoid the normal bidding process. After he asked the question, he paused for a response, looking directly at County Judge Bill Gravell. Gravell just smirked at him and waited. The veteran prompted for an answer again. With the whole room silent, Gravell just kept smirking as he waited for time to expire.

I don’t know much about Bill Gravell, but that smirk said all I need to know. I won’t be voting for Bill Gravell.

JOHN SHAW

East Eighth Street