Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. made national headlines during a press conference on July 9 when he declared to questioning journalists, “You’re in Kerrville, and we’re going to do it my way.”
The mayor used the statement to emphasize his commitment to leading the city according to his vision after catastrophic flooding tore through Kerr County during the early morning hours of July 4.
“I regret losing my temper with the New York-based reporter,” Herring said. “The previous day, the entire press corps were screaming questions at the sheriff. I’d had enough. Still, a calm response would have been better.”
Herring’s remark quickly became a talking point in the community, highlighting his straightforward approach to leadership.
Fans of the mayor can continue to show their support with a specially designed T-shirt featuring his now signature phrase.
The shirts will be available starting Monday, Aug. 25, and will be sold through the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, 1700 Sidney Baker St.
“When we posted the picture of the chamber staff in the shirts with Mayor Herring’s quote on the chamber and personal Facebook pages, the response was overwhelming,” said Mindy Wendele, president and CEO of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. “We had so many requests for the shirts we decided to develop a plan to sell the shirts for a benefit.”
Chamber staff members unveiled the T-shirts to Herring on Aug. 1.
“He had no idea we were doing the shirts and was very humbled about the project,” Wendele said.
A donation of $25 or more by cash or check only is requested to purchase a shirt, with proceeds benefiting the Louise Hays Park restoration project. If the shirts sell out quickly, the chamber plans to place another order.
“The original ‘The park built in a day’ (project) was spearheaded by the JayCees of Kerrville,” Wendele said. “The Kerrville Junior Chamber has long disbanded, but we thought it was a natural fit for our chamber foundation to do.”
“I’m happy my outburst might help, even in a small way, to restore the Kerrville park I love,” Herring said.
In 1950, local philanthropist Robert S. Hays donated 35 acres of his family’s ranch to the city of Kerrville with two conditions: The park had to be named after his wife, Louise, and it had to be completed in just one day.
The community accepted the challenge, raising $20,000 and bringing together volunteers, businesses and schools to complete the park’s construction on April 26, 1950.
Over the past 75 years, the park has grown to 63.6 acres, adding many new features while preserving the natural beauty that has made it a favorite community asset.
Many of the amenities in Louise Hays Park were destroyed by the raging floodwaters on July 4.
The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday.
For more information about the fundraising T-shirts or the Louise Hays Park restoration project, call 830-896-1155 or email info@kerrvillechamber.biz.
This article was orignally published in the Aug. 23, 2025 edition of the Kerrville Daily Times.
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