Atascosa County Judge’s Report




 

 

I want to tell you about my friend Jerry Davidson. His health is failing and he is not doing well at all. But lest we forget I want to tell you what he did for Pleasanton and Atascosa County. In the mid – nineties there existed an organization named “Atascosa County Economic Development Corporation” functioning in our county. Jerry was the 2nd and the last Executive Director of ACEDC. When he left it ended. I was his Treasurer and New Business Development Officer. What I want you to know about Jerry is that he cared deeply about Atascosa County and worked hard to make it better. He did many good things and had many good ideas. But as he begins his last moments in his life, I want to tell you two key things he did that are still around and working. When as Mayor, and later, I was unable to get agreement with the council to build a community center. Jerry came to me and asked if I would mind if he tried to organize a public group to advocate for it. That became the group headed by Patsy Troell which resulted in the Pleasanton Library and Pleasanton Civic Center we have today. Many people worked on that.

But Jerry’s “piece de resistance” was almost singlehandedly bringing Coastal Bend College to Atascosa County. He was like a bulldog making constant trips to Beeville where the main campus is. Jerry got the administration to agree to put a community college here if he could get the bill passed in the State Legislature. He also nearly wore out certain elected officials (state officials) such as State Representatives Judy Hawley, Henry Cuellar and State Senator Judith Zaffirini until they agreed to submit the bill and push it. Their efforts were crucial to the process. As you know the bill passed and it did happen.

How do I know? He dragged me along on almost every one of his trips and I kept him company while I watched him work through the whole process. So, I respectfully ask you to say prayers for Jerry as he goes into his last days. And, whenever you see Coastal Bend College please think of Jerry Davidson. I know that would be his greatest pleasure for he had the heart of a true servant.

Thanks for listening. We want you to be proud of your County Government.

BOB HURLEY is the Atascosa County Judge. You may Email him at countyjudge@atascosacounty.texas.gov.

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