Focus on what’s important to all
By CHESTER R. JOURDAN, JR.

As my family and I prepare to move on to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in Columbus, Ohio, we will forever cherish the friendships and memories we've made in Southeast Texas. The elected officials, planning commission staff, community leaders and citizens of Southeast Texas will always be in our hearts and prayers. I've greatly enjoyed working for the agency and appreciated the strong support provided by the elected officials, community leaders and staff during my tenure. I've cherished the privilege of coming to work every day irrespective of the barriers or obstacles confronting us regionally in Austin, Texas and/or Washington, D. C. We've had to overcome many challenges these past six plus years in addressing the seemingly overwhelming needs of the region, but by sharing the burden together we've been able to succeed. What I think I will miss the most is the camaraderie and shared vision, particularly since the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the region. Obviously, there are still many challenges facing Southeast and Deep East Texas, but I believe the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission and the Deep East Texas Council of Governments are uniquely qualified and staffed to meet those challenges head on. In many ways, the region has a very bright future.

The storm re-taught us a very valuable lesson, “We're much stronger together speaking with a unified voice, when we set aside our differences and focus on what's important we can accomplish great and mighty things.”

We'll never forget Southeast Texas, its people and its enduring spirit and we pray that God will continue to bestow his blessings upon this great region of the state.