Thanksgiving was started to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest, at a time when almost all were directly connected to the soil and agricultural pursuits to feed their immediate families. Today, the average U.S. farm feeds 166 people. We live in a nation of abundance, with relative food security — an essential ingredient for national security. I am thankful for American farmers and ranchers that feed our country and help feed many more around the world.
During this season of the year, we give thanks to God for all life’s blessings. I am grateful for my wife, my children, my grandchildren and many friends. I am deeply appreciative of selfless first-responders, including those who saved my home during the wildfires this summer in Palo Pinto County…too many to thank in too little time.
The 2022 election cycle wrapped up on November 8 and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve Texas House District 60 for another term. The level of support and prayers on my behalf during the campaign was overwhelming.
I was elected to serve my District First. Our team is continuing to meet daily with constituents, agencies and organizations to facilitate service and leadership representing Palo Pinto, Parker and Stephens counties in the upcoming 88th Legislative session.
Below are some examples:
Several trips were made to Austin over the last few weeks. These included meeting with Commissioner Morath of the Texas Education Agency, the Teacher Retirement System, the Texas Water Development Board and TCEQ. Also met with a group from TxDot regarding the Customs and Border Protection facility along the South Orient Rail Line in Presidio. The rail line runs from near Coleman (in my current district) to Presidio and is an important international link for commerce.
In preparation for addressing some critical water shortage needs locally and throughout Texas, I have toured water facilities across House District 60. Two weeks ago, the Stephens County Regional Water Special Utility District led me on a tour of their facility. They provide water sourced through Possum Kingdom Lake to rural customers. It was a pleasure to meet the dedicated workers and administrators there including Leshia Brewster, Danny Stephens, Randy Cosgrove, Kelvin Nickell, Phil Taylor, and Mark Dempsey.
Recently met with a group of landowners along the John Graves Scenic Riverway on the Brazos to provide updates from the BRA and garner feedback on issues involving this precious resource. The John Graves Scenic Riverway extends from the dam at Possum Kingdom as it traverses through Palo Pinto and Parker County. Without a doubt, this section of the Upper Middle Brazos is the most pristine and scenic section of the 840 mile Rio de los Brazos de Dios. Preservation of this local treasure is a top priority.
It was a great honor to speak at Brownwood’s Veterans Day program at VFW post 3278. The ceremony recognized 1964 Brownwood High School graduate Brigadier General Dan Locker and former State Representative Lieutenant Colonel Bob Turner, both who have dedicated their lives to the American values of freedom and democracy.
After speaking at the ceremony in Brownwood, I was honored to be inducted into the “Brownwood Mafia”. Brown County will no longer be in my district, but I have made many lifelong friends and will continue to be a supporter of Brownwood and Brown County issues in the Texas legislature. The “Brownwood Mafia” designation signifies a friend and supporter of Brownwood and is a many decades old tradition. Past awardees include President George W. Bush, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Congressman Mike Conaway, and a host of other influential leaders.
At the start of the month, a meeting at the beautiful Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway was informative and highlighted some critical improvements needed. Mineral Wells and Western Parker County are blessed to have this gem and its amazing staff. Our discussion covered TPWD funding issues, the Rock Creek Trailway bridge project, and the opportunities the park provides for the community. Thank you to Superintendent Nickie Elms, Park Ranger Justin Lane, Rhett Warren, with the Friends of Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
At the Capitol, it is always exciting to see constituents and friends from back home. In the past few weeks, I have welcomed two amazing groups of young people to Austin.
The Award winning Santo High School Marching band joined me for a capitol tour and it was incredible to interact with these talented students. Then last week, I was surprised to see students from Vandagriff Elementary in Aledo as I entered the southside of the Capitol.
I attended and contributed to two events to support Palo Pinto County youth that show livestock. These young people represent a bright future in agriculture and leadership in our communities, state, and nation.Through their activities, they learn to care and be responsible for livestock on a timely basis. Leadership development and respect for others are core principles of 4-H and FFA programs. I applaud the teachers, parents, and volunteers of these programs that foster agricultural education and good citizenship.
On November 14, I spoke to a group of Texas A&M veterinary students in the student bovine club; 43 years ago, I was the student president of this organization. I was proud to see that the organization is still strong and full of enthusiastic veterinary students with a bright future.
Redistricting
As a result of the 2020 Census, the legislative districts for the State of Texas have been redrawn. House District 60 will now be comprised of Stephens, Palo Pinto, and Parker Counties.Representative Rogers will continue to represent the current 8 counties in District 60 (Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Eastland, Hood, Palo Pinto, Shackelford and Stephens) until January, 2023, when the Texas Legislature convenes for the 88th Legislative Session. Click here to find out who will be representing you in 2023.
My Office
My staff and I are ready and available to hear from you! The Texas Capitol is open to the public. Currently, my Capitol office is only open for limited times due to a focus on work directly with constituents in House District 60. If you are in need of assistance or would like to schedule a meeting, feel free to reach out to my office!
Written by Texas State Representative Glenn Rogers
