North Texas Daily

Matthew Reyna | Staff Writer

@bucko_rodgers

 Almost every official elected by Denton voters was at the Best Western Premier Wednesday, June 29 for an event to show gratitude to them hosted by the Denton Chamber of Commerce.

Politicians and local business leaders mingled and were encouraged to network at the Elected Officials Summit, which featured a myriad of notable local faces.

The impressive list of local leaders in attendance ranged from the U.S. House of Representatives all the way down to the Denton school board.

Jill Jester, the chamber’s government liaison, was the event’s emcee and lit up the room with her unconventional humor, often filling the reception room with laughter.

“I feel like that’s part of Denton – everyone can just be themselves,” Jester said. “People just appreciate you for who you are.”

Jill Jester, attorney and speaker, lightens the mood during the elected officials reception June 29 at the Best Western Premier. About 100 guests and officials were in attendance. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

Jester read a satirical letter from State Senator Jane Nelson, who was not in attendance, and warned attendees not to be absent next year or she will read one from them.

The guest list at the hotel included members of the school board, most of the City Council, representatives from the Commissioner’s Court and most notably U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess, who represents Texas’ 26th District.

Burgess gave a short speech about new developments on Capitol Hill and described a unique day he had recently in Washington D.C.

Michael Burgess, U.S. Congressman and Texas’ 26th District representative, gives words of enlightenment and encouragement during the elected officials reception June 29 at the Best Western Premier. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

“I went and blew up bottle rockets with the [Consumer Product Safety Agency] all afternoon,” Burgess said. “Probably one of the most positive days I have had in the United States Congress.”

Denton County Judge Mary Horn, Denton Mayor Chris Watts and outgoing District 64 State Representative Myra Crownover were among the other featured speakers at the event.

Crownover joked about her upcoming departure from the State House.

“The good part is I am not dying or going away – I promise to have someone else inspect,” Crownover said.

District 2 Councilwoman Keely Briggs was happy to be able to identify the politicians that she regularly reads about.

“I was able to meet a lot of people I had just known of by name,” Briggs said. “It is good to put some faces to the names.”

Lynn Stucky, the Republican candidate to replace Crownover in House District 64, was among those grateful for the networking opportunity the event presented.

“There are a lot of people here who are very important to Denton County,” Stucky said. “Those are people you need to be a communicator with to be successful at whatever level, including the State House and District 64.”

Guests were offered complimentary alcohol and Mexican food which helped foster the informal atmosphere organizers had hoped for.

“The umbrella of this event is appreciation,” Jester said. “We are not here to debate serious issues and get mad at each other. We want to make everyone feel at home.”

Featured Image: Nearly 100 officials and guests mingle at the City Officials Summit June 29 at the Best Western Premier. Some of guests included were Mayor Chris Watts, Michael Burgess, U.S. Congressman and Texas’ 26th District representative, and Lynn Stucky, Republican candidate in House District 64. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor