J. Scott Herod's nameplate on display. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

J. Scott Herod wants his time as Precinct 3 Smith County Commissioner to be defined by accessibility and attentiveness, ensuring every resident feels heard and valued, even when solutions aren’t immediate.

“I believe they’ll see in my nature that this is who I am and what led me to this, I don’t generally use the term, ‘I felt called,’ but in this matter, I did. I felt a genuine calling and desire to help accomplish the goals of the constituents throughout Smith County,” Herod said.

Herod took office after winning the Republican primary runoff in May with nearly 90% of the vote, defeating one of Smith County’s longest-serving commissioners, Terry Phillips. He went on to secure a victory over Democratic candidate Edith Mayfield Wilson in the November election.

Since beginning his journey, he quickly realized many people don’t fully understand the distinctions between city, county and state governments, or the roles and jurisdictions of each, which often leads to confusion.

To address this, he is focusing on improving communication through initiatives like the “Know Your Commissioner” events, which will not only continue but also evolve into an email format. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the different layers of government, helping residents better understand where to turn and who to seek for assistance.

Herod said fostering connections within the county government and building strong relationships with city leaders across Smith County is a key priority for him.

“We have some outstanding city leaders in our municipalities who are committed to serving the people,” Herod said. By strengthening communication and ensuring people feel their concerns are heard, he aims to provide clarity and build trust.

The answers people receive won’t always be what they hope for but he believes in the importance of honest and clear responses.

One thing Herod wishes more people knew about Smith County is the depth of its community spirit and the dedication of its residents to supporting each other.

Reflecting on Smith County’s vibrancy, Herod pointed to the diversity of its people, industries and communities. In Precinct 3, the growing industrial base is providing good jobs that support families, who then give back to the community.

For Herod, this shows the potential and resilience of Smith County.

His vision for Smith County is to attract businesses that provide a good quality of life for their employees. He aims to bring in organizations that pay fair wages, offer good working conditions and foster an inclusive environment while also giving back to the community. His goal is to partner with businesses that understand the mutual relationship between the community and the company—they support the community, and in turn, the community supports them.

Herod sees the new development in Precinct 3 as a prime example of this vision in action, with quality businesses investing heavily in the area and creating generational facilities. He believes that when companies contribute to the community, whether by investing in public spaces or supporting local nonprofits, it speaks volumes about their commitment.

He is proud of the growing number of businesses that are not only thriving but also supporting their employees and the community at large. By creating good jobs and environments, these businesses help families thrive, leading to a positive impact on schools and communities, and ultimately creating a ripple effect that strengthens Smith County as a whole.

As the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex and neighboring areas like Longview continue to grow, Smith County’s strategic location along I-20 positions it for success. Previous leadership worked hard to improve roadways and traffic flow, which has helped manage the area’s rapid growth.

While traffic can be frustrating at times, compared to other regions, Smith County has handled growth fairly well, though it remains an ongoing challenge to manage as the population expands.

The vibrancy of the community, coupled with a hardworking workforce, is another key factor in Smith County’s appeal to businesses. People take pride in their work, and that work ethic is evident in the quality of their output, making the county an attractive place for companies looking to expand.

He is committed to maintaining a balance, ensuring Smith County continues to offer space for both suburban development and rural lifestyles. He wants to preserve farms and ranches, providing room for those who wish to live off the land, whether through gardening or livestock.

This variety in living options is key to sustaining Smith County’s unique character and ensuring all residents can thrive.

An active figure, Herod anticipates the community will continue to see him engaged, not only in the areas he already serves but also in expanding his efforts to make a greater impact.

Lately, he has been involved in many events happening around Smith County. While it’s hard to rank them, the Texas Rose Parade stands out. He loves being part of it, especially as a member of the Strutters, and appreciates how it boosts awareness of Tyler and Smith County, while bringing in income and celebrating the area’s culture and heritage.

The Christmas parades are another highlight, with communities like Lindale and Tyler coming together to celebrate the season. Herod finds it amazing how much attention is given to Christmas throughout Smith County, helping to keep the true meaning of the season alive.

Beyond these events, Herod is particularly moved by the number of charitable organizations in Smith County. He believes the area has one of the highest per capita numbers of such organizations, which speaks to the community’s deep desire to give back.

From longstanding groups to newer ones focused on helping trafficked women, Smith County shows a genuine commitment to making a difference. Herod is also involved with the Children’s Village, where he sees firsthand the positive impact organizations can have. For him, these charities and their work are as much a part of Smith County’s spirit as the events themselves.

Herod’s excitement for his new role is palpable, as he reflects on the conversations he’s already had, which have only solidified his desire to serve. He’s eager to dive deeper into the specifics of the county commissioner role and is genuinely looking forward to training that will help him better understand the responsibilities and limitations of his position.

Despite his background as a rancher, where classroom settings aren’t typically his preference, Herod is enthusiastic about learning and connecting with peers from across the state. He is determined to remain accessible and engaged with the community throughout his term.

Herod hopes that by the end of his term, people will remember him as someone who was accessible and made them feel their concerns were important. He strives to ensure that every resident feels heard, even when immediate solutions aren’t possible.

By thoroughly researching issues and providing thoughtful, informed responses, Herod aims to show that each concern is taken seriously. While he would love to fulfill every request, he recognizes the reality of limited resources and the need to prioritize the county’s overall operations. For him, making people feel heard is just as important as finding solutions.

“I’m genuinely excited to go and learn,” Herod said. “I intend to continue to be that voice and make sure that we’re accomplishing everything within the budget allowed to best serve all the people.”