The Commissioners Court barely had a quorum when it met Tuesday with only three Commissioners present. The meeting was also very brief lasting only 15 minutes.
During the portion of the meeting for public comment David Wagstaff spoke to the Court about the need for more security lighting on county roads in rural parts of Orange County. Wagstaff said the darkness on roads like FM 105 near the Orangefield schools and also on FM 1442 makes it hazardous for driving there at night. Roads to get to neighborhoods are poorly lit which could cause accidents or people could get hit it’s so dark according to Wagstaff.
Wagstaff said he serves with the Crime Watch in Orangefield and is a member of the Golden Triangle Militia. Somewhat connected to the need for more security lights in areas like Orangefield, Wagstaff indicated crime is on the rise in his area also. Wagstaff stated the response time for law enforcement on calls was slow and just the lack of a presence by law enforcement officers in the rural parts of the county. He mentioned there were other programs available like Citizens on Patrol that he suggested Orange County might look into for rural parts of the county. Wagstaff main request was for more security lighting or street lights in their area of the county. No immediate action could be taken on Wagstaff’s requests since they were made during the time for public comments.
Many local city councils are considering ordinances or resolutions in response to the state law allowing for the open carrying of firearms in public locations. The resolutions if approved would prohibit the carrying of firearms in places that hold public meetings, municipal courts, and polling places. County Attorney Doug Manning serves as the legal counsel for the Commissioners Court, and he was asked if the county was considering a similar resolution. Manning indicated it was not within his position to originate any such decision. He added that the decision would need to be made by one of the members of the Commissioners Court, and at this time none of them had contacted him to research or draft such an ordinance. Texas’ open carry law goes into effect January 1, 2016.
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