By County & Compass
Why We Do What We Do
By County & Compass exists to hold our leaders accountable – not to a party or ideology, but to the people and priorities of Texas, especially those in the North Texas Corridor – the rapidly growing suburban and exurban communities in the northern part of the DFW Metroplex.
We embrace the wisdom of the phrase, “All politics is local,” which reminds us that beyond dramatic headlines or heated national debates, true leadership is measured by how well we listen to and serve our own communities. Every national policy and global event ultimately impacts families, business, and neighborhoods right here at home, highlighting the importance of local engagement and responsive representation.
This belief is at the heart of our project. By County reflects our commitment to focusing on the real needs and voices of every community we serve. Our compass – what guides us on our journey – is our sincere commitment to serve the people of our communities and standing up for what we believe is right, even when it’s not easy or popular.
We dig into the details, track the votes, and translate national debates into local impact, because we know that what happens in Washington only matters if it delivers for our schools, our businesses, our communities, and our families.
We believe in honest, fair-minded analysis and in the power of local engagement. Our mission is to ensure that everyone in our community can see clearly how their representatives are serving them, and to remind our leaders that their first responsibility is always to the people at home.
Contributing Authors
Tim Watkins
Tim is a sixth-generation Texan who is deeply committed to the values that make Texas strong – independence, service, and accountability. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Tim served 20 years as a Navy pilot and Foreign Area Officer, including deployments in support of operations in Iraq & Afghanistan and multiple overseas assignments working with allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout his career, he developed expertise in translating complex national policies into actionable strategies with tangible local and regional impact. After retiring from active duty, he built a business career focused on strategic growth and business development.
Tim believes that leadership means showing up and delivering results, not chasing headlines. While active in local politics, his approach is grounded in his Texas roots, military service, and a lifelong commitment to public service – not party loyalty. He believes North Texans deserve honest, fair-minded analysis and real accountability for their elected officials. Through this project, Tim endeavors to bring an independent, objective viewpoint to evaluating how elected officials are serving the region, always putting the interests of Texas families and communities first.
Tim was born in Dallas, grew up in Southlake (back when "Southlake Boulevard" was called FM 1709 and wasn't even fully paved), and now lives with his wife and two children in Flower Mound.