Jody Crump, Orange County Commissioner Precinct Four, believes in doing his homework.
“I am currently registering for a class in Beaumont,” Crump said. “I take one class a year so it is one trip there and one trip back.”
Commissioners are required to attain 16 hours of education every 12-month period and may carry forward up to eight hours.
The class Crump will attend will attain the 16 hours required.
“If I do anything else, I do it at my own cost,” Crump said. “I want to be prudent with the tax payers dollars.”
It is with the same caution, Crump approaches each decision as Commissioner.
“I do a lot of homework because I want to know the why’s, when’s, where’s, and how’s,” Crump said. “I want to know the facts and not make a shoot from the hip decision.”
It is through the required educational seminars Crump first learned of a solution to help save the county save money while facing a budget shortfall last year.
“I was in school last year when a speaker spoke on implementing a delay between when a position opened up and was filled,” Crump said. “My first thought was why? What difference did it make? I spoke with him afterwards and it made sense. I do not want to pay double salaries.”
Crump, who has served previously on city council and as Mayor, said he serves because he enjoys helping people.
“I like having the ability to help people,” Crump said. “When a friend suggested I run for County Commissioner, I did because it is a higher platform to help people.”
In an effort to assist those he represents, Crump does not leave the office for lunch.
“People stop by all the time,” Crump said. “I want to be available for them.”
Precinct Four is the north west portion of the county consisting of Vidor, Rose City and Pine Forest. Population for the area is approximately 22,000. Crump began his second term as commissioner in January 2015.

Committees:
South East Texas Regional Planning Commission Disaster Recovery Program Regional Review Committee member.
Jefferson, Hardin, Orange County Regional Transportation Study Group – Past Chairman, and Past Vice Chairman.
South East Texas Regional Planning Commission Committee Member.
Texas Agri-life Leadership Advisory Board.
Orange County Commissioner’s Court Transportation Liaison.