WHAT CAN YOU DO? Being a responsible citizen includes more than voting in elections. Be involved and volunteer with/for organizations that are working on your behalf. Participate in public meetings, stay informed, and hold your elected officials accountable to you. A quick guide on how to engage with the Texas Legislature (testify online or in-person) is here.
Attend a meetinG
Note: Agendas for all these meetings are published in the Panola Watchman (latest news and an e-edition here).
Panola County Commissioners Court: Every other Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Court House, Carthage.
Panola County Appraisal District: Board of Directors meets ~ monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 1:45 p.m. at 1736 Ballpark Drive in Carthage.
Carthage City Council: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 5 p.m. City Hall, 812 W Panola St.
Beckville City Council: 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Beckville City Hall.
Gary City Council: 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Gary City Town Hall.
Other taxing entities: include the Panola County Emergency Services District #1; Panola County Fresh Water Supply District #1 (aka Lake Murvaul Water Controlling Authority); Panola County Groundwater District; and the Independent School Districts (ISDs) of Carthage, Beckville, Elysian Field, Gary, Joaquin, Tatum, and Tenaha.
MAKE DIRECT CONTACT
Track legislation via Texas Legislature Online – see the “Legislative Activities” block to check out broadcasts, meetings, etc. – and quickly notify your representatives about your stance (for/against) on specific items
- not sure how to use TLO? Use this reference here
Comment / Testify on proposed bills
- Quick guide on how to prepare, submit, and follow up with written testimony is here
OTHER
Receive direct alerts from the following:
Grassroots Priorities “Calls to Actions” here
Texans For Fiscal Responsibility here. Use their “Vote Notices” to track items of key financial impact.