With tomorrow being Thanksgiving Day, it is traditional to reflect on the many things for which we should be thankful.

We have much to be thankful for in the United States, Texas, north Texas, and Royse City. The news is full of things that are wrong, tragic, and difficult in this or any time. All of this is very real and should be reported and debated. However, this is a special time to count our many blessings.

I am thankful to be an American.

We still live in the greatest nation in the world. This is true despite our real problems and the tough policy decisions facing our leaders. We have a democracy that has more than survived; it has grown, matured, and thrived for over 200 years. We have the privilege, the civic duty, of electing our leadership. 2010 will see key elections across the nation and right here in Texas that will affect our nation’s future. This will be another opportunity, an obligation, to participate in our future. We have the constitutional right to express our opinions about our government and our leaders. Public opinion clearly impacts on national policy. Americans make America strong. Americans of all races, creeds, national origins, religions make us not just diverse, but stronger because of the diversity. Yes, we, as Americans, have much to be thankful for. We are the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

Texas is blessed with its people, its economy, and its leadership. No, everything is not perfect. Yes, we fight among ourselves. If you want a hand in changing what you do not like, vote in the primaries and general election next year.

Our economy is stronger than most and showing signs of recovery. No, jobs are not recovering as we would like yet. It is a difficult time for many without jobs. My heart goes out to them. In our community, I see people and organizations reaching out to help those in this time of need. I am sure that this happening all over America. I know it is happening here in North Texas.

I am thankful to be a Texan.

We are blessed to be in North Texas and Royse City. In Royse City, thanks to continued modest growth, total appraised valuations increased by over $10 million this past year. This calendar year, through November reporting, sales tax receipts were up nearly 2% over the same period in 2008. A modest number of single family homes are still being built in our community. Some commercial growth is also occurring – most recently two new restaurants have plans to open early next year. We are not stagnant, we are growing, and we are positioning ourselves for substantial growth – residential and commercial -- in the not distant future.

In the short eight months that I have lived and worked in Royse City, I have come to think of it as home. It is a great place to work – because of the potential, because of the people. I am blessed with a hard working staff that has made personal sacrifices to provide the service delivery you deserve. I am blessed with a city council that selflessly serves you. Thank your city officials when you see them for all they do. They are essential to good government. No, we are not in the financial condition to make major capital improvements, but these people, working together, are dedicated to service even, maybe especially, in this constrained fiscal environment.

Speaking of finances, I am thankful for the interim leadership that preceded me in righting the ship. We certainly are not near where we need to be and we have challenges facing us as we attempt to meet both deferred and new needs while funds remain short to achieve significant capital improvements. We will continue to explore other sources of funding to meet those project needs that need to be addressed now. The bottom line is that our financial condition has improved and will continue to improve over the next several years.

I am thankful to be in Royse City.

I am also thankful for those that protect our property and our liberties at home and abroad.
The Royse City Police Department and the Royse City Volunteer Fire Department along with all police and fire agencies throughout the country provide that protection and safety at home every day of the year, 24 hours a day. When we are eating turkey, they will be on duty. Unfortunately, this is normally a busy time of the year for them. Take time to thank them for their service when you see them.

Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for the service men and women, past and present, who protect our freedom and liberties. I express my sincerest, heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those of have given their last measure of life for us. My thoughts drift back to those friends and comrades that died all too young and are not with us today. I will never forget Danny, Butch, Marvin, King, and the many others who gave their lives in the service of our country.
I am proud of those young men to this day, I am proud to have served, and I am deeply thankful to be an American.