Judge Harmon's last ruling

Dec. 30—The number, according to Johnson County Commission Larry Woolley's calculations, ranks impressive.

"I did a little math the other day and, just counting regularly scheduled commissioners court meetings, today brings the number of court meetings that [Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon] has presided over to 672 meetings," Woolley said. "That's not counting special-called meetings, budget workshops and other meetings. So overall, Judge Harmon has presided over well over 1,000 meetings. There are not many other county judges in Texas who can say that."

That 672nd commissioners court meeting on Monday was also Harmon's last as county judge, an occasion Harmon and others termed bittersweet but also fulfilling.

Harmon, who served from 1995 through this year, last year decided not to seek reelection. Harmon's term officially ends on Saturday.

Former Johnson County Assistant Attorney Chris Boedeker filed for and won the seat after Harmon announced his retirement. Boedeker's term begins Jan. 1.

"Let's rock 'n' roll," Harmon quipped as he kicked his final meeting off.

Labeling the day the end of an era, Commissioner Rick Bailey directed his fellow commissioners and Harmon to the front of the courtroom dais.

Commissioners presented Harmon with two plaques, on of which lists the names of all 12 commissioners who served on the court during Harmon's tenure.

Saving the best for last, commissioners next unveiled a mounted Henry rifle inscribed with the county seal and the years of Harmon's service.

"We didn't give you any bullets though," Woolley joked.

That the gifts and gestures moved Harmon was clear to all in the courtroom.

"They're trying to make me cry," Harmon said of the commissioners. "I thought this was going to be easier. Boy, it's been a good ride and I have so many people to thank. I could probably go on for 30 minutes."

That last part caused Bailey to exclaim "three minutes," the time allotment for court attendees wishing to make public comments.

Harmon was having none of that.

"Hey, this is my time now," Harmon joked. "I still preside over this court."

Harmon reflected on his decision to run for county judge.

"I made up my mind to run for county judge in June 1994," Harmon said. "That was when the seed was first planted. I stood on a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11, which actually fits everyone of you in this room. It says that God has a plan for you and your life. Plans for hope and plans for a future. Not to harm you but to help you."

Harmon added that he first and foremost "thanks his God in heaven" for any success he's realized.

"I saw him open doors for me that I was not capable of opening," Harmon said. "He pulled them wide open for me and, for some reason, he saw fit for me to still stand here today."

Harmon then thanked his "wonderful, beautiful wife of 55 years," Martha Harmon.

"She's been my partner in life," Harmon said. "She's given me inspiration, encouragement and so much else."

Harmon imparted words of love for his children, Wendi Mikulec and Greg Harmon, as well as his grandchildren.

Harmon went on to thank all the current and previous county commissioners he served with expounding at length on commissioners R.C. McFall, Bobby Estes and Ron Harmon who have since passed away.

Harmon said that Commissioner Ron Harmon, no relation, taught him valuable lessons in friendship and teamwork.

"When I first came on the court, we didn't work so well together," Harmon said. "But we later became best friends. I spoke at his funeral and he meant a lot to me. It's been a blessing to work with so many fine commissioners through the years."

County Attorney Bill Moore no doubt grew tired of Harmon's string of legal and procedural questions especially early on in Harmon's tenure, Harmon said.

"But he was always there to help and he never guided me wrong," Harmon said.

Harmon went on to thank numerous county officials and staff members including Emergency Management Director Jamie Moore who Harmon called the state's best emergency coordinator.

Harmon thanked as well members of his current and previous office staff.

"I couldn't have done it without my staff," Harmon said. "All of them are special."

Harmon recalled war stories overheard at state conferences attended by officials from other counties and expressed relief that such is rarely the case in Johnson County."

"Johnson County is unique," Harmon said. "Do we have differences? Sure. But we also have some of the best people you could ever want right here in Johnson County.

"I've worked with so many good people. Johnson County has the strongest team around, and that's why it works so well, because we have that team spirit."

As he frequently does, Harmon once again stressed the importance of we and teamwork over an I and solo accomplishments mindset.

Harmon concluded by thanking the residents of the county.

"I want to thank the voters who, for seven terms, put me in office and their confidence in me," Harmon said. "And I urge our commissioners and elected officials to always keep the voters in mind."

Commissioner Kenny Howell labeled Harmon's departure bittersweet as well.

"Judge Harmon is the only judge I've ever sat with up here," Howell said. "Been sitting to the right of him for going on 11 years.

"As was said when I was elected, we're doing the business of the county, and it is business. So yes, we've agreed at times, had disagreements and some heated discussions at other times. But, the key is, when we walk out of those doors right there we're friends. And that friendship is worth a lot to me."

Commissioner Mike White, who formerly served as constable, agreed.

"When I was on the other side of that microphone I didn't always agree with what you were doing," White said. "But now that I'm on this side I understand better where you were coming from and I've enjoyed sitting beside you these last two years as a commissioner."

Bailey glanced at the past with an eye toward the future.

"What better way to go out of office as an elected official than under your own terms," Bailey told Harmon. "It's been an honor serving with you. The one thing is, when that day comes to step down, you hope the next person has the will of the people and I think Chris Boedeker has that."

Harmon said he does too.

Harmon joked that the court may not have seen the last of him.

"I can still come to court and sign up for those three minutes to speak during the public comment section," Harmon said.

The first order of business, Bailey replied, is to get County Judge Boedeker to drop that time limit to two minutes.