Kaufman County, TX - Kaufman County Commissioner, Precinct 3, Terry Barber was among 17 Texas county judges and commissioners who completed the first phase of the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy in Austin hosted by the V.G. Young Institute of County Government.

The Commissioners Court Leadership Academy is a two-year program consisting of four multi-day sessions. These sessions are held in various locations in Texas and Washington D.C. and give commissioners court members a chance to increase their knowledge of county government, develop communications skills, and enhance their ability to serve as an advocate for their county.

“When I was elected as Commissioner for Precinct 3, I took it very seriously,” said Commissioner Barber. “I made a commitment to myself, and my constituents, that I would do my best to improve the quality of life for all of our residents and this training is giving me the insight I needed to make that happen.”

 Local officials are challenged to work with limited resources, increasing demands for services, emerging technologies, changing demographics and other issues currently facing county government.

 “The participants are to be commended for their dedication to professional improvement as they take time to further educate themselves to better serve their constituents”, explained Dr. Peter McGuill, director of the Institute. “Academy class members have a unique opportunity to learn new and vital information to better serve the citizens they represent.”

 Participants received 12 hours of continuing education credit for completing this session.

About the The V.G. Young Institute 

The V.G. Young Institute of County Government is a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The Institute works to meet the educational needs of county officials and the public by anticipating, identifying, and addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Texas county government. For more information about the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy, visit http://vgyi.tamu.edu.