Diving deeper with BRA board members
Hand selected by the governor, the 21-member Brazos River Authority Board of Directors volunteer their time perfecting policies, programs and direction to help develop, manage, and protect the water resources of the basin.
In our first of several mini-profiles of the BRA board members, we hear from them on a few topics like what makes water so important and what fascinates them about the Brazos basin. We also get an insight to their heroes and what job launched their life into employment.
In our first edition of Getting to Know You:
Richard Ball
Mineral Wells
Why have you chosen to dedicate your talents to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors?
I was honored to be appointed by Governor Rick Perry and enjoy representing my area. Giving back to my community and state is very important to me.
What was your first job?
Shining shoes and mowing lawns.
What do you think most people don’t know about the Brazos River?
How important it is to the people of Texas.
Who is your hero?
Jack Pratt, the man who hired me at 19 as a vending routeman’s helper and in just a few short years, trusted me with the company that I later owned.
Why is water important?
It is life sustaining.
What fascinates you about the Brazos basin?
That all those many years ago, dams were built to control flooding, to save lives and property and they still do. However, as a by-product, our customers can have access to the waters of the Brazos.
Do you volunteer or participate in other organizations?
Yes, I am President of the Mineral Wells Industrial Foundation, Chairman of the Mineral Wells Planning and Zoning Commission, and President of the Palo Pinto Area Foundation (the fundraising arm of our county hospital).
What is your favorite quote?
“Who’s hero are you?”
F. LeRoy Bell
Tuscola
Why have you chosen to dedicate your talents to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors?
Since I learned to swim at age 3, I have been attracted to water. Learning to ski at Fort Phantom, weekend trips to Possum Kingdom and Lake Granbury, the Brazos River has been part of my life for many years. I was first introduced to the board by my wife’s first term as a board member appointed by then Governor Bill Clements. About that same time, a friend shared the book ‘Goodbye to a River” by John Graves, and the basin history and importance took on new insight. As a result, these events caused me to realize firsthand the importance and mission of the BRA, and I wanted to be a part of the development and preservation of this important natural resources.
What was your first job?
My first paycheck job was sacking groceries for M System Grocery Stores for 35 cents an hour while in High School.
What do you think most people don’t know about the Brazos River?
I doubt many people know the full scope and complexities of managing the water in the basin, which include flood control, dam maintenance and repair, water safety courses, recreation use, waste water treatment plants and making sure the river flows will meet the needs of drinking water, agriculture and industrial needs all of which require a tremendous amount of planning time and lots of money.
Who is your hero?
It is hard for me to name one person since I have had a lot of great individuals who have influenced my life, starting with the store manager at M System to many top leaders in my industry.
Why is water important?
One of the few resources that cannot be manufactured or substituted, and which our very existence depends on. We can’t live without it!!
What fascinates you about the Brazos basin?
The basin is a mainstay of water for all Texas involving and impacting so many different parties and the challenge it presents to the BRA to meet those needs for water and use it wisely and efficiently.
Do you volunteer or participate in other organizations?
Past Chairman of Board Disability Resources, Inc., Volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Sound Central Region, Young Eagles Volunteer pilot sponsored by Experimental Aircraft Association
What is your favorite quote?
“Make a decision and then work like heck to make it the right one.”
W.J. “Bill” Rankin
Brenham
Why have you chosen to dedicate your talents to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors?
Because Texas has a favorable business climate and is experiencing significant economic growth, more and more people will want to move here. As they do, the availability and affordability of clean water will become increasingly more important.
What was your first job?
I was a US Air Force Instructor Pilot. I tried to make it easy for my students. I told ‘em, “you pull back on the stick and the houses get smaller; you push forward on the stick and …."
What do you think most people don’t know about the Brazos River?
The geographical extent of the Brazos basin for which we are responsible.
Who is your hero?
My Dad. He was first in our family to graduate from college (Texas A&M), served in the Army in Africa in WWII, was a successful businessman (Ford Dealer) for many years, and had the patience (with my Mom) to raise my brother, my sister, and me.
Why is water important?
Water fits the classic definition of something that has an inelastic demand curve - you have to have it and there’s no substitute for it.
What fascinates you about the Brazos basin?
The huge difference in rainfall amounts from one area to the next and, within an area, from one year to the next.
Do you volunteer or participate in other organizations?
I am involved with several other organizations. Chief among them would be the Boys and Girls Club and the Gideons. I have also done a jail ministry at the Washington County Jail for many years, which has been a particularly rewarding experience.
What is your favorite quote?
"If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there.”