Outgoing Smith County Commissioner Pam Frederick leaves mental health mark

Published 5:35 am Monday, December 16, 2024

As she passes the torch to a new Precinct 1 Smith County Commissioner, Bullard resident Pam Frederick said it has been her sincere privilege to serve the community she loves.

“I was raised to believe that if you see something that needs to be addressed, if you complain about it, you’re just part of the problem,” Frederick said. “If somebody needs to do something, you are somebody.”

Frederick served as commissioner for two years after a three-decade career in education and 11 years as Bullard’s mayor. She will leave the post after a narrow loss in the May primary, in which Christina Drewry received 50.52% of the vote to Frederick’s 49.48%.

She was sworn in November 2022, after former County Judge Nathaniel Moran was appointed to Congress and then Precinct 1 Commissioner Neal Franklin was named county judge.

Frederick described the transition to the county commissioners court as seamless, noting it was similar to her work in Bullard but on a larger scale with a faster pace and more people to interact with. “That’s my strength,” she said. “I love working with people.”

Frederick’s smooth transition came from her experience in local government. Before stepping into the larger role, she had honed her leadership skills in Bullard. It was there she recognized the impact she could make.

Bullard was a small, struggling community facing financial challenges and water service issues. Seeing the need, she felt she could step in and make a difference. This began her run for municipal government on the city council from 2003 to 2011, then as mayor from 2011 to 2022.

“My kids were little, and the city park was in shambles. I remember selling Cokes at festivals for a dollar each just to raise money to help with the park. Then I thought, ‘This is ridiculous — I need to be on the board where these decisions are being made and these dollars are being spent.’ That’s when I decided to run for city council,” Frederick said.

Campaigning for the first time wasn’t difficult. In Bullard, many people shared similar views and were eager to see progress and forward-thinking changes in the community. For Frederick, navigating local politics was a relatively smooth experience.

During her campaign for commissioner, Frederick became aware of the mental health crisis in Smith County and focused on being part of the forward progress in that area.

“I think probably for the most part, the community didn’t realize the problem was as big as it was, and so they probably don’t realize the changes that have been made, and how positive it is, the things that have happened through this court,” Frederick said.

This wasn’t just a jail problem; it was a community issue. There is still a long way to go — and a lot more to be done — but the progress that’s been made so far is significant.

During her tenure, Frederick highlighted several improvements made to the jail system.

The Andrews Center, the local mental health authority, now has a presence in the jail, along with a dedicated mental health diversion deputy. The implementation of jail-based competency restoration not only saved the county money but also ensured inmates receive care without decompensating in custody. Additionally, the jail medical contract now includes a mental health department and in-person psychiatry for the first time.

For jail staff, overtime pay has been restored, replacing the previous comp time system. Ten new officer positions were added, leading to fewer assaults and conflicts in the jail.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) approved a program in partnership with the school district to allow students to earn a jailer’s license upon graduation. Last year, ten students were enrolled, and currently, 13 students are participating in the program.

The improvements have enhanced the mental health and wellness of inmates, though some still require further care at a facility, many receive treatment while incarcerated. Jail staff morale has improved, as they feel supported and equipped to do their jobs effectively.

“It’s kind of one of those things…if you’re not involved in it, you don’t necessarily understand the gravity of it,” Frederick said. “Until my campaign and I began visiting with the sheriff and the jail chief and some of those people, I didn’t realize the problem it was.”

The changes have been recognized by jail staff and justice-involved individuals in the community, Frederick said. Those who were directly involved during the toughest times can see things have improved.

This focus on people and relationships has been central to Frederick’s work, both in the jail and as commissioner. Building connections and fostering positive change have been key.

Throughout her two years as commissioner, the most rewarding part for Frederick has been the people. There are many individuals in her circle she never would have had the opportunity to meet and connect with if it weren’t for her service to the community.

She believes everything happens because of relationships, and through years of service, she’s been able to expand her network. At the county level, those connections grew even more. When you build positive relationships, things get done.

While she remains committed to staying positive, running for office on a county level was disheartening at times. “My eyes were opened a little bit about politics,” she said. As a result, Frederick now has little interest in serving in politics again.

“It’s not lost on me that people see what I do and support it,” Frederick said. “I treasure those relationships that I’ve built through this service.”

Frederick isn’t stepping away from public service. As city manager of Bullard, she plans to keep the town at the forefront of Smith County issues. “I’m not going anywhere,” Frederick added. “I’m going to stay busy and continue looking for ways to be effective in our community.”

She intends to maintain her roles on the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce board, where she serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee and on the Sheriff’s Foundation Board and the Christus Mother Frances Hospital Community Leadership Board.

“Good things are happening in Smith County, and they will continue, no matter the changes,” Frederick said. “Smith County is a leader in many ways, and we are respected for that. We have great people working here who genuinely care about the community, and we have good people who live and work here. If I were to leave you with one parting thought, it’s this: The good things are happening, and they will continue.”

Drewry will be sworn in Jan. 1.