Peggy Gaines of Seadrift and Mary Canales of Austwell were in Bastrop on July 24-25 to attend the Newly Elected City Officials’ Orientation, sponsored by the Texas Municipal League and the Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners, and affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. Elected officials from all over the state attended the meeting, which provided an opportunity for newly elected city officials to voluntarily enhance their knowledge of city government and sharpen their leadership skills. In addition, the orientation offered an opportunity to visit with elected officials from across Texas to learn how other cities are coping with similar challenges.

During this event, attendees were offered sessions on topics such as open government, financial responsibilities, council/staff relations, economic development, and media relations. A special presentation on “The Importance of Building a Sense of Community” was provided by TML Past President Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of Abilene Christian University (ACU), and executive director of the Center for Building Community and professor of management at ACU.

Created in 1913, the Texas Municipal League is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legal guidance, legislative advocacy, publications, training and networking opportunities to officials from 1,140 cities in Texas.