Profiles in Service - March 19, 2018
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Jon Burrows
Board Member
County Judge, Bell County, Texas
Number of years involved in NACo: 20
Years in public service: 20
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Law degree from University of Texas; Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma (I was going to be a band director).
The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Finally getting Texas legislative approval of a Hotel Occupancy Tax to support our Expo Center. It took four legislative sessions (eight years).
Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: President Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham and President George H.W. Bush.
I dream I have is to: Travel internationally, especially throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Drive around northeast Maui on the winding, narrow Kahekili Highway looking out the window down the cliffs to the ocean. Great to do once!
My favorite way to relax is to: Travel with my wife, Katie.
I’m most proud of: When I was promoted to full Colonel in the USAF Reserve.
Every morning I read: Temple Daily Telegram, Austin American-Statesman, Killeen Daily Herald and County Clips from the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.
My favorite meal is: Texas bar-b-que.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Played saxophone with The Beach Boys.
My pet peeve is: Unforgiving people.
My motto is: “I don’t take myself very seriously, but I take my job very seriously.”
My favorite movie is: The Godfather II.
My favorite music is: Classic alto saxophone music such as Charlie Parker, Alto Sax – “April in Paris.”
My favorite U.S. president is: Ronald Reagan.
My county is a NACo member because: Of the vast research and data resources available through NACo. We find that we get advance notification of changes coming from the federal level, giving us more reaction time. Also, we have the opportunity to collaborate with counties nationwide and learn their best practices. The NACo staff assistance has always been outstanding.
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