EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is an open letter presented to the Ellis County Commissioners Court on Monday evening and submitted to the citizens of Ellis County by Judge Bob Carroll.
Good evening Judge. Good evening Commissioners. Also, good evening to the members of the public who are present here tonight to conduct business before the Commissioners’ Court. Thank you for allowing me to appear on the agenda.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday I began reading a book titled, “George Washington’s War” by Dr. Bruce Chadwick. It is a phenomenal true story about the man, the life, and the leadership of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. One of the interesting aspects of his life which really connected with me was his desire to return to the private sector, after his time of public service.
The principle I gleaned was that returning to the private sector recharged him, and rejuvenated him, in a fundamental way. Please hear me closely, I am not George Washington, but the principle still applies.
It was said a long time ago, by someone much wiser than me, that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun. For over a decade I have attempted to faithfully and honorably serve the citizens of Ellis County. After prayerful consideration, I believe God is leading me back into the private sector. I also believe it is time for fresh leadership.Therefore, with the utmost humility, I am resigning the position of Judge for Ellis County Court at Law No. 1, effective at midnight on Monday, April 30.
My notice of resignation gives you a month to select a new judge. It is important to make the selection during April. Come Tuesday, May 1, there will be a heavy docket of CPS cases and lawsuits, and therefore the judge needs to be there and ready to go.
In the preceding agenda item, you approved a proclamation declaring April 2007 as “Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month” for Ellis County. I commend you.
In 2006, we had five times more new CPS cases than we did the year I started, and they are more complicated. This is why we are spending 60 percent of our time handling them. The person selected to be the new judge must be a person who is highly experienced in CPS cases, and passionate about protecting children and families.
Mercy, I want to publicly acknowledge, as court coordinator you have done an outstanding job! I am so grateful to you for all your hard work and dedication.
Carletta, you have excelled in all of your duties and responsibilities as our official court reporter, but beyond this, you have helped our office in countless other ways. I am very grateful for your strong work ethic and your tireless commitment.My wife Kathy and I, and our children, will continue to live at our home here in Ellis County, and we plan to remain very involved in the community..
My personality is such that I take work very seriously, but not myself. Perhaps I can leave you with a small chuckle.
Last Friday, I took the family minivan to the dealership to get fixed. When finished, I noticed a card hanging from the rearview mirror. The card was signed by the person who made the repairs. It said: “I take pride in my work. My signature on this card means I stand behind my repairs. If you were satisfied with these repairs, please tell a friend. If you were not, please call me immediately.”
My own card that I will leave with you reads:
“I take pride in my work. My signature on this card means I stand behind the work I did as judge. If you were satisfied with my work, please tell a friend. If you were not, please wait and call the new judge on May 1!” Judge Adams and commissioners, and to all my colleagues and friends in the community, and the citizens of Ellis County, it has been a distinct honor and privilege to have served as your judge.
God bless Ellis County, and God bless the United States of America.
Judge Bob Carroll
Midlothian Observer note: Judge Carroll lives in Midlothian
