Brown runs for Rusk County Judge

ATTORNEY THOMAS BROWN Attorney Thomas H. "Tom" Brown, a 25-year Rusk County resident, has announced he is seeking election as county judge.

With the election still far off — November 2010 to be exact — Rusk County Judge Sandra Hodges has announced she will not seek re-election.

Brown, who has been an attorney for 28 years and offices in Kilgore, says he wants to help bring Rusk County into the 21st century.

"Rusk County has a major need to modernize; county offices and departments need to be on a countywide computer network," said Brown. "I would like to see a county Web site where citizens would have access to appropriate county information and records and be able to conduct much of their business online."

Where would this money come from? Brown said he would like to see the county hire a fulltime grant writer.

"I don't believe Rusk County gets its fair share or takes advantage of moneys available from the State of Texas, the federal government or private institutions," said Brown.

Another area Rusk County needs to support is economic development efforts of the local economic development corporations, said Brown.

"The county's place in economic development is to help provide the necessary infrastructure, regulatory environment and tax assistance to help industry and economic development flourish," said Brown. "I also believe the most important economic development efforts the county can do is to help existing businesses, not just bring in new businesses from out of town."

Brown believes his qualifications for county judge come in many areas.

"In the Texas Constitution it says a county judge should be "Educated in the Law." As an attorney, I can provide assistance to Judge Dean and Judge Gossett in that I could preside over misdemeanor criminal trials, do probate proceedings, handle mental health hearings and have appellate jurisdiction over justice of the peace courts," said Brown. "In addition I could provide needed and timely advice to the Rusk County Commissioners Court as they deliberate.

"I want to help make a difference in Rusk County," said Brown.

He said he thinks Rusk County is "as close to God's heaven on Earth as anyplace."

"I live here because I choose to, not because I have to. My wife Jan and I chose to raise a family in Rusk County because of the people first, and also because of the climate and natural beauty of the this area," said Brown.

With this in mind, Brown said Rusk County needs to treat its employees fairly in connection with compensation and benefits.

"To scrimp on employee payroll, training and benefits might save a little money up front but is not cost effective in the long run," said Brown.

Brown said he has a "vision for the future, not just today," adding that he believes the county should take part in a "regional economy."

"It is past the time where it can be Henderson vs. Kilgore or Rusk County vs. Gregg County," said Brown. "I believe a 'rising tide floats all boats,' and things that benefit other counties will also benefit Rusk County," said Brown. "I believe Rusk County needs to look beyond the boundaries of our region for many of the opportunities which allow our growth."

If elected, Brown said he would be "a fulltime judge."

"I will continue to do some legal work and maintain a small office, but I will be there to serve Rusk County residents," he said.

Brown said it's not only about work, it's service to the community, as well.

"I believe as a county judge one should still keep in touch with different civic organizations in the community and do what one can to help those organizations as long as there is not a conflict of interest," said Brown.

His civic and community work includes serving on the Roy H. Laird Memorial Foundation, a director for Leadership Henderson Alumni Association, a member of Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, a Kilgore Lions Club member and member of the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation. He also attended both the Henderson and Kilgore Leaderships classes.

Brown and his wife of 27 years have two daughters: Margaret Brown, a Texas A&M graduate, now attending medical school; and Rebecca Brown, also a Texas A&M graduate, who is preparing to teach school.

In other interests, Brown said he is a private pilot, part owner in the Silver Lake Ranch, raises cattle and horses and likes to hunt and fish.