For those of us who were alive, the tragedies of 9/11 are forever etched in our hearts and memories. We will always remember exactly where we were when we heard the news of the first plane hitting the tower, the second plane, a third at the Pentagon, and then the plane that was taken down in Pennsylvania and, finally, witnessing the tragedies of the towers collapsing.
I remember living in Highland Village and watching the news live when the first plane struck the tower. My brother-in-law, who was a rookie Lewisville fireman, was at our house and I called him into the living room to watch the news with me. At first, like so many others, I thought the first plane was an isolated incident and I told him this was likely going to be a big day for the fire departments of New York City. What an understatement. Little did I know of the events that would transpire later that morning.
As the son of a fireman, I could not help but think of all the thousands of individuals who were scrambling down those dark stairwells, and the brave firemen who were going up the stairwells. And how they were running to danger instead of away from it.
The pride and unity that Americans had in the days, weeks, and months following 9/11 is something I will always remember. It inspires me still to this day.
I remember how the church pews were filled to capacity as people did individual soul searching, trying to find answers to some of life’s complicated questions as to why people hate one another and take innocent lives.
As we honor this 25th anniversary, I just ask everyone who reads this column to take a moment and reflect on the reasons for the course of events that day. And to think not only of the lives lost in New York City and Pennsylvania, whether in the air or on land, but also the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice or were injured in the subsequent wars in the Middle East that followed the 9/11 events.
As we come together as a country in remembrance of 9/11, although we have political differences, I hope we can still focus on the common values we collectively share as Americans in this land of the free, home of the brave.
Please join us for the annual Red, White, and Blue Freedom 9/11 Walk scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, on the Southbound Lewisville Lake pedestrian bridge to remember and honor all who perished on 9/11.
Cities south of the bridge will meet at the Doubletree Ranch Park in Highland Village. Cities north of the bridge will meet at the intersection of Oak Drive and the southbound I-35E Service Road. Both sides will walk and meet in the middle of the pedestrian bridge over Lewisville Lake.
Keeping taxpayers top of mind for FY 2027 Budget
With the Sept. 22 meeting nearing for the adoption of a new budget and tax rate for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins Oct. 1, a few key points are worth remembering.
We have seen new construction in the county at a rate of $6.7 billion and that is good; however, it is notably below the $9.2 billion we experienced in 2023.
As we began drafting a new budget at the beginning of the year, we knew challenges were ahead. Like many households within our county, we continue to deal with increased costs and how to maintain our quality services while keeping our property taxes low.
We kept new hires to a minimum, maintaining a lean, efficient operation. Salaries are our greatest expense, as in most businesses, yet retaining our experienced and talented workforce by offering competitive salaries is just as important.
County government operates differently in that we not only have essential services but also mandated services, both of which make up 84 percent of our annual budget.
We also allocate funds to focus on road planning as well as maintenance of county roads and bridges. Mobility across Denton County remains a top priority as we see significant growth in the coming years. Growth brings more traffic. More traffic requires planning ahead and maintaining existing infrastructure. I often say that improved mobility is a family value and we are committed to improving our overall quality of life across Denton County.
We faced these and other challenges yet created a budget we believe puts taxpayers first by offering the lowest property tax rate in 40 years.
Connect With Us: If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is [email protected], and my office number is 940-349-2820. For more information, register for my newsletter at Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup
