The boss and half the county attended the reception and ribbon cutting honoring Richmond Mayor Hilmar Moore last Friday.

From all reports it was a festive gala event with citizens and VIP’s from across the county and the city of Richmond enjoying the food and festivities.

Mayor Moore has been part of the political landscape for longer than most of us have been on this earth. He keeps getting re-elected, so that kind of tells us what the residents of Richmond feel about how well he has served them.

In earlier years, Hilmar used to make headlines on a regular basis for his outspoken nature and his lack of shyness on speaking out on things in government that really made him mad.

He has become mellow with age, but is still known to say what he thinks when the need arises.

I think 60 years as a public servant deserves recognition. Now he and all his friends can go to the little park and reflect on those years.

Plaudits to the committee who organized the event and to the many people who worked and donated to make it a success.

And hats off to Mayor Moore for devoting all those years to the community.

Vote early

John Oldham, the county’s new election administrator, is hoping Fort Bend County voters heed his call and go to the polls early.

Beginning on Oct. 20, voters can cast their ballots and avoid what he is sure will be a much longer process on election day.

I hope everyone does take advantage of the convenience and ease of early voting. It will help reduce confusion, conflicts and aggravation that often come with a large turnout.

This year the number of voters is astronomical. I expect there will be long lines even if a lot of people take advantage of early voting.