An announcement in Denton Tuesday, which took many who follow local government by surprise.
Denton County Judge Mary Horn told commissioners she's going to retire at the end of her term. The Republican Horn is the first woman to hold the office and the longest-serving judge in Denton County history.
An emotional Horn said she chose not to face another year of campaigning. She says she was able to accomplish many things she set out to – including the completion of the I-35E expansion, while keeping taxes in her growing county low. She also claims responsibility for nine pieces of legislation, approved by Texas state lawmakers.
“I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of really amazing people over the 25 years,” said Horn, who also served as tax assessor. “There've been a few scoundrels along the way but you deal with those too. But it's been a wonderful experience and I appreciate everybody's help and input along the way."
In recent months, Horn has been a key player in the debate to remove a memorial to Confederate soldiers in Denton's square, which she opposes.
Horn endorsed fellow Republican commissioner Andy Eads as her successor.
