Texas has a long tradition, reflected in our state constitution, of emphasizing the importance of individual citizen involvement in state affairs. Our state has a citizen legislature, a judiciary accountable to the people by direct election, and the power of the executive power is diffused among a number of independent elected office-holders.
While there are numerous elected officials in state government, other appointed positions exist – often involving service on a volunteer basis – that profoundly impact upon our lives. This represented a further diffusion of power within state government that makes Texas somewhat unique among the states.
The Texas Constitution gives the Governor of Texas the authority to make a large number of governmental appointments. During a four-year term, a governor will make nearly 3,000 appointments to numerous state boards, commissions, councils and task forces. The majority of these appointments have been established either through our state constitution or by statutes enacted by the legislature. The governor also has the general authority to create workgroups and task forces as needed to assist him in carrying out his official duties.
Individuals appointed to constitutional or statutory positions may be vested with the power to carry out laws and direct the policies of state government. They may also be called upon to advise the governor, legislature, or executive agencies on specific issues and policies.
The Office of the Governor publishes a list of vacancies through the governor's internet site,
www.governor.state.tx.us, which also has specific appointment procedures and standard application forms. While the Office of the Governor oversees most appointments, others are made lieutenant governor, speaker of the Texas house, or by the executive directors of certain state agencies.
There are three basic types of entities: constitutional, short-term, and long-term. The Texas Constitution establishes a number of boards to carry out various state functions. Examples of constitutionally created boards would include the Veteran’s Land Board and the Board of Pardons and Parole. Constitutionally-enacted boards and commissions are of a long-term nature and may have a great deal of authority vested in them.
Statutorily-created long-term boards continue in place until the specific law which created them is amended or repealed by the Legislature. These boards tend to have members with staggered terms to allow for continual research or work within an issue area. Short-term boards are typically established by the Legislature to conduct research and prepare a specific report prior to the next legislative session, following which the board is automatically dissolved.
Those who serve give much of themselves and their time, frequently with little or no pay and high ethical scrutiny. Funds are available for basic costs associated with the position, such as travel and per diem. Some entities are well known, such as the state universities boards of regents, Parks and Wildlife, the Public Utility Commission, and the Texas Transportation Commission. Others, which may be less well-known, focus on issues ranging from aerospace and aviation, to state building and procurement matters.
The board system has served Texas well, and keeps much of state power vested within the citizenry of our state. Any qualified individual may apply for an appointment to a state board, commission, or task force. Basic requirements include being a U.S. citizen, resident of Texas, and a registered voter. Some entities may have additional requirements that have been specified in the state constitution or other public law. Having knowledge, experience and a proven interest in carrying out the mission of the board are attributes valued in a board applicant.
As many of the appointments require the approval of the Texas Senate, it is customary that a potential nominee be approved by his or her State Senator upon advice of his or her State Representative prior to a formal appointment.
This is brief overview of the many opportunities that exist for private citizens to become part of improving state government. Bell County has much to offer the State of Texas, and applying to serve on a board, commission, or task force is one way to ensure that Central Texas values are a part of state policy discussions in Austin.
At the following link, you will find information regarding the Governor's appointments with a list of opportunities and dates available:
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/appointments/current.
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