The Collin County Observer

Shed no tears for Hoagland as he exits stage

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Ed Housewright / The Dallas Morning News

For 30 years, Collin County Commissioner Jerry Hoagland has been a political lightning rod.

He's riled people with his strong, unfiltered views, whether denouncing illegal immigration or opposing greater spending on indigent health care. And voters kept re-electing him by wide margins.

Even as Hoagland approached his 70th birthday and entered his fourth decade in office, he seemed politically invincible.

No more.

Cheryl Williams, a first-time county candidate, finished off Hoagland in a runoff election Tuesday after battering him in last month's Republican primary. Facing Hoagland alone, Williams knocked him out with almost 59 percent of the vote.

"We got caught up in the anti-incumbent sentiment that prevails throughout our country," Hoagland wrote in an e-mail to supporters.

So one of Collin County's longest-serving, highest-profile elected officials finds himself a lame duck. His term ends Dec. 31.

"I'm not devastated by this loss," Hoagland said in an interview. "I just feel like the Lord has bigger and better things for me."

Hoagland, an active member of First Baptist Church of Wylie, wants to get involved in prison ministry. He said he may also sell real estate. Unlike some former politicians, he isn't interested in lobbying or consulting.

But Hoagland, who earns about $111,000 a year as a commissioner, said he doesn't have to work at all.

"I've got a good retirement plan," he said, "having been in the system 30 years."

Oversaw growth

When Hoagland took office in 1980, Collin County was a rural outpost of 144,000 people. Today, it's a teeming suburban county of almost 800,000.

During his campaign against Williams, Hoagland touted his accomplishments. He said he was proud of helping launch the Collin County Community College District, building a new courthouse, and consolidating county offices on a 250-acre complex in north McKinney.

"My wife said you can drive all over Collin County and see evidence of things I was personally involved in," Hoagland said. "That's gratifying."

Former Collin County Judge Ron Harris can relate to Hoagland's situation. Harris, who had headed the five-member Commissioners Court for 16 years, was ousted by Keith Self in 2006.

Harris supported Hoagland in his race against Williams and offered him condolences afterward.

"It's not time for Jerry to go to pasture," Harris said. "Healthwise, he's good, and mentally he's as sharp as ever."

Enjoyed it all

Harris laments the rapid, almost complete turnover on the Commissioners Court after years of stability.

For more than a decade starting in the mid-1990s, the panel consisted of Harris, Hoagland, Phyllis Cole, Jack Hatchell and Joe Jaynes.

"I refer to it as the Dream Team," Harris said.

But the team has disbanded. Jaynes will be the only remaining member starting Jan. 1.

After Self defeated Harris, Matt Shaheen ousted Cole in 2008. Hatchell died of cancer three months later and was replaced by Kathy Ward, who fell to Duncan Webb in last month's primary.

Rick Neudorff, a former Collin County Republican Party chairman, supported Williams over Hoagland. He said political change is inevitable and wasn't surprised to see Hoagland lose.

"Everyone's time comes eventually," said Neudorff, who ran unsuccessfully for county judge in 2006.

Now, it's Hoagland's turn to hand over power. But he isn't mourning or second-guessing his final campaign. He told supporters in his e-mail not to worry about him.

"It has been my honor to represent you on the Commissioners Court," he wrote. "I have enjoyed every minute of my time as an elected official."

link to article at The Dallas Morning News....

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The Observer comments:

As many of the Observer's readers are aware, I ran as a Democrat against Jerry Hoagland in 2006. I did so because I disagreed with his policy positions and his long tenure on the court.

Since that election, I have had many opportunities to visit with and interview Commissioner Hoagland.

I have to admit, I enjoyed our conversations. In every case he was a gentleman who showed himself to be both extremely knowledgable on county affairs and willing to share that knowledge.

Jerry Hoagland and I differ on many issues, but I readily acknowledge his impact on the growth of the county. He cares deeply for our county -- and he has left his mark.

I wish Jerry and Annette well in their retirement. I'm sure he will continue to stay active in the affairs of our community... and our community will be the better for his involvement.

Bill