News Flash

Office of Ellis County Judge Todd Little

For Immediate Release

“Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s Remarks on the Ellis County Office Relocation”

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, on social media, I witnessed an intentional and coordinated effort on the part of a few individuals to suggest that one of the decisions of our Commissioners Court - that being the temporary placement of an office on the basement level of the Historic Courthouse, was racially and politically motivated.

Social media contained a photo showing a historically derogatory word painted onto the basement wall of the Historic Courthouse, near an area that decades ago contained a water fountain.

About twenty years ago, when this historic structure was completely renovated in a manner true to the original architectural detail, a decision was made to keep the painted signage.

Why did our previous leaders do this?

I would suggest the signage was kept, so the evil of requiring people of another color to drink at an alternate water fountain would never happen again.  A symbol, to pierce the hearts and souls of those who yearn for justice and equality for all. The plaque presented with this historical marker challenges us to continue to learn from our past. I understand History is not a beacon of celebration for all people, but it provides a lesson on how we must continue to rise above adversity and come together to unite as one.

I am saddened Constable Polk has been hurt by the office relocation process. I would like to make it clear the Commissioners’ Court decision was based on logic and the availability of space, not on malice or any other subjective information. Due to a need for additional space, there were three options concerning temporary office relocations.  These were options A, B, and C.

These options were reviewed by the Commissioners, and one was selected that included the relocation of four departments with the opportunity for Constable Polk to decide between an office on the 1st floor of the courthouse or a temporary office located in the same place that our prior Constable utilized.

Our goal in the immediate future is to discuss the acquisition of additional office space, pursuant to a master plan, which will allow us to re-assess and re-align numerous office spaces and locations currently servicing various county departments.  I have been and am still ready to work closely with Constable Polk, and many others, to unite our elected officials and staff no matter what political affiliation or race, to ensure we continue to do better, and be better by and for each other. 

I still consider Constable Polk to be a friend and colleague, and I truly hope that he feels the same way.

I encourage you to watch the discussion for yourself here.

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