County Commissioner Steve Floyd Resigns Just in Time for Judge Candidacy

More turnover in the Tom Green County Courthouse has those fond of speculation buzzing, and given the direction of past rumors, assumptions this time don’t seem too wild.

After nine years serving as a County Commissioner for Tom Green County’s Precinct 3, Steve Floyd announced plans to officially step down from his post on Tuesday, effective Nov. 15.

The resignation follows closely on that of incumbent County Judge Mike Brown, whose tenure will end at midnight on Nov. 30.

Rumors of Judge Brown’s resignation were whispered through political circles days before his official notice to the Commissioner’s Court on Oct. 15, and sources at that time started naming Floyd as his most probable successor.

Floyd, however, has remained mostly mum on the topic, stating only vaguely that the election would be an honor and that the vote is with the commissioners.

Still, the timing of his resignation arouses suspicion about his intentions.

According to Richard Easingwood, who announced his candidacy before Judge Mike Brown had officially delivered his resignation, a candidate for the judge’s seat may not currently occupy another office on the Commissioners Court.  This means that in order for Floyd to pursue higher office, a resignation would be necessary. Law also stipulates that a successor be found prior to running for office.

Further, while candidates may file to be put on the election ballot as early as Nov. 9, a cut-off date has been set at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 6, making time of the essence for those wishing to do any campaigning.

Floyd has not explicitly stated any intentions to run or any intentions not to, however did say Tuesday, “My purpose is not to leave public service.”

Regarding the position of County Judge he said, “The county judge’s office is a blend of judicial and admninstrative/leigistlatinve-type functions…I do have experience in both of those areas.”

Floyd cited years of experience with emergency management, specifically in handling the Wildfires of 2011, and additional coursework and training required of county officials.  

As to what his ambitions are should he be considered for office, Floyd said his first order of business would be hiring a campaign secretary. “I would be honored if that opportunity [to be the next Tom Green County Judge] presented itself,” Floyd said.

Steve Floyd is a native of Tom Green County and has enjoyed a long career serving the public in the Concho Valley. Prior to his position on the Commissioner’s Court, he served as a Justice of the Peace for 13 years.

While he was not willing to comment on future goals should he be appointed by his former colleagues on the Tom Green County Commissioners' Court to the post of County Judge, Floyd did praise the work Judge Brown has done while in office.

“I have a lot of respect for Judge Brown,” Floyd said. “Under his guidance the county came from a difficult financial position when he was sworn in in 1995…with the help of the Commissioner’s Court, he snapped the county into the best financial position in I think modern history,” Floyd said.

Looking forward to what’s to come, Floyd concluded, “I have enjoyed public service and I believe it’s a worthwhile honor to serve in those offices of trust.”