State Senator Tom Haywood, R-Wichita Falls, recently filed a bill to strengthen the oversight and operations of regional planning commissions and councils of governments. It also defines responsibilities and adds clauses for training, nepotism and compensation. Finally, the bill defines the relationship between a COG and the state and sets reasonable limits on items such as expenses. I have always maintained that the best ideas are not in Austin, but in places like Wichita Falls, Abilene, and Sherman.
More local control helps government become more responsive to people's needs.
Haywood's bill was greeted with enthusiasm by Knox County Judge David Perdue and Wichita County Commissioner Pat Norriss, also a Board Member of the Nortex Regional Planning Commission. It contains an excellent system of checks and balances that will protect state government while allowing councils of government to get on about the important business of addressing regional issues in every area of the state. It leaves local boards in control while assuring that the stat's interests in the use of public funds are protected.