Meet the candidates 2024: Bill Truex

Bill Truex
Commissioner
Charlotte County, Fla.

Why are you interested in serving as a NACo officer?

Like many of you, my journey into public office began with the aspiration to make a positive impact in my hometown. I was born into a small farming community yet serve in the fastest growing state in the nation.  Charlotte County, Florida is situated in southwest Florida just south of Sarasota.  Over the last 20 years, farm lands in Charlotte County have decreased by half, while our population has continued to explode.   As a county commissioner, more people mean more challenges and opportunities. We must build the infrastructure to support our growth while protecting the farms that remain.  While I have indeed been fortunate to serve my community, the rewards I’ve reaped from this experience have far exceeded my expectations. The relationships forged during my service on the commission, involvement with the state association, and here at NACo have proven to be invaluable, undoubtedly shaping me into a more adept and effective leader. I am deeply committed to the principles of public service and the betterment of communities across the nation. Serving as NACo 2nd Vice President will provide a unique opportunity to contribute on a broader scale, working collaboratively with dedicated individuals who share a passion for addressing the diverse needs of counties, parishes, and boroughs. There are a few issues in particular I am passionate about on a national, state and local level including services for our veterans, affordable housing, and natural disaster resilience, mitigation, response and recovery. The challenges and opportunities presented at NACo align with my vision for positive change and effective governance. I am eager to leverage my experience, skills, and dedication to foster collaboration, advocate for impactful policies, and strengthen the bonds that unite counties across the country. By taking on the role of NACo 2nd Vice President, I aim to play a key part in shaping the future of local governance and advancing the collective well-being of our communities.

What do you consider to be the two or three most important challenges facing NACo in the near future on which the Officers/Executive Committee/Board of Directors should focus? Why?

Identifying the most crucial challenges facing NACo (National Association of Counties) requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s current landscape and the broader context of county governance. 

Fiscal Sustainability and Resource Allocation:

• Counties often face financial constraints in delivering essential services. Economic fluctuations, unfunded mandates, and evolving demographics can strain county budgets. NACo must continue to assist counties in maintaining critical services, infrastructure, and public safety through federal advocacy, education and partnerships.

Technology and Innovation Integration:

• Embracing and integrating new technologies is essential for efficient and effective county governance all around the nation. NACo needs to enhance its resources and expand its guidance to counties for adopting innovative solutions that enhance service delivery, cybersecurity, and data management.

Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Advocacy:

• Counties play a pivotal role in the federal system that includes critical roles for the federal, state, and local governments.  Advocating for the counties’ interests at the federal level is vital to ensuring strong partnerships for serving Americans. Effective advocacy ensures that county voices are heard in the development of policies that directly impact their communities.

It’s important to note that the challenges facing NACo evolve over time, and the organization’s leadership should adapt its focus accordingly. Regular assessments of the political, economic, and social landscape will enable the Officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to address emerging issues and guide NACo in effectively supporting counties nationwide.

What do you consider to have been your most important contributions to the National Association of Counties to date? What do you consider to have been your most important contributions to your state association of counties?

Since becoming involved in NACo eight years ago, I have had the opportunity to serve on several committees, task forces, and the Board of Directors.  I have served as Vice Chair for the Programs & Services Standing Committee, the Public Safety Committee, and the Veterans & Military Services Committee. At the Florida Association of Counties, I have looked for opportunities to support my fellow counties through mentorship and leadership. As President of FAC, I prioritized diversity in representation on FAC Committees and Board Appointments to ensure that each county, in all their diversity, is represented and heard.

Promoting Best Practices and Innovation:

There is no reason to reinvent the wheel.  Counties should share best practices and innovative solutions that benefit counties nationwide. Charlotte County, Florida, my home county, has a state-of-the-art emergency management and law enforcement training facility.  A few years ago, we hosted the first FAC Innovation and Policy Conference in our county and bussed attendees out to the facility to share with them how we prepare for emergency situations.  From house fires to hurricanes, we took county officials, step by step through the process of how county and municipal employees work together to keep our citizens safe.  This tour gave Charlotte County an opportunity to showcase a project that the community invested in, and it gave my fellow commissioners some ideas, big and small, to take back to their communities.  We wouldn’t have been able to do it without our state association. It’s examples like this that drive home the importance of NACo (and FAC) and the opportunities the organization creates for local problem solving.

Leadership Development and Collaboration:

NACo is critical in playing a role in fostering collaboration among county leaders, building strong networks, and contributing to leadership development programs.   We are never too old to learn new things. Our environment – business, financial, technological, natural – is changing by the second.  It’s our job as leaders to keep up with advancements and use them to better our communities.  I believe continually educating yourself is a cornerstone to good leadership.

I proudly chaired NACo’s Immigration Reform Task Force for three years, navigating a complex and heated issue with a focusing on the task at hand by steering clear of political rhetoric. Additionally, I’ve led my own county commission for a decade, chosen for my commitment to timely and inclusive meetings. When serving as chairman, I prioritize efficiency while also giving everyone a voice, I ensure decisions reflect thoughtful consideration of all perspectives. Grateful for the trust placed in me, I hope to continue my service as NACo 2nd Vice President.

Effective Advocacy at the State Level:

Currently, I am serving as the President of the Florida Association of Counties.  As such, I have been able to bring, not only my commission experiences, but my experience as a general contractor and small business owner to help shape policy in such a way that it provides flexibility in decision making to Florida’s counties while reducing regulation and fees on small business owners.

The issue of affordable housing affects us all.  I am uniquely positioned to advocate for affordable housing as a county commissioner and a home builder.  I have regularly made trips to the Florida Capitol over my years in office to advocate for funding for safe affordable housing for all of Florida’s citizens, not just those in my home county; and I would continue this pursuit as NACo 2nd Vice President.

What measures would you recommend to increase and retain NACo membership and to encourage broad participation in NACo by elected officials and employees of NACo member counties? What specific role would you be willing to assume to help build and sustain membership in NACo?

To increase and retain NACo membership and encourage broad participation from elected officials, we should continue to build on and implement the following measures:

Value Proposition Communication:

Clearly communicate the value of NACo membership, emphasizing the benefits and resources available to counties. Continue to highlight success stories, policy advocacy impact, and tangible outcomes resulting from NACo initiatives.

Inclusive Representation:

Ensure diverse representation within NACo leadership and committees to reflect the varied perspectives and needs of member counties from all parts of the nation and from all sizes of counties. Actively seek input from different regions, urban and rural counties, various cultures, and underrepresented communities.

Member Engagement Programs:

NACo can continue to build on its targeted member engagement programs, including webinars, workshops, and conferences that address the specific needs and challenges faced by counties. 

Advocacy and Policy Impact:

Showcase NACo’s advocacy efforts and policy achievements, demonstrating how active membership contributes to positive change at the national level. Engage members in advocacy campaigns and provide tools for them to participate effectively.

Technology and Communication Platforms:

Leverage modern communication platforms to enhance member communication. Utilize social media, newsletters, and other channels to share updates, relevant information, and opportunities for involvement.

If I were to become NACo 2nd Vice President, I would welcome the opportunity to help build and sustain membership in NACo, supporting the above initiatives while actively reaching out to existing and potential members, communicating the benefits of NACo, while addressing any issues or questions.

By combining these measures and taking on a proactive role, NACo can strengthen its membership base and foster active participation among elected officials and county employees.