Why I’m Running

Solar, Battery, and Data Center Abatements
I am against abatements for these types of projects. The reason why I am against the abatements is because if the residents can pay their taxes, so can these corporations. Also, by giving the abatements, unless the abatement contract is properly worded, it could leave the county in a weakened position. These projects do not bring meaningful long-term jobs to the county, nor do they bring sales tax revenue like other businesses, so giving them a break on their property taxes makes less sense than if they were a large sales center or perhaps a manufacturing plant.

Transparency
This goes hand in hand with what has been going on with the tax abatements and solar projects in Robertson County, but so much more as well. The residents want clear communication from their county leaders, and they want the opportunity to be involved and know what is going on in the county. When open meetings, like the County Commissioner Court’s meetings, always happen at 2 p.m., it makes it difficult for working people to attend. Add to this issue the fact that in most instances the county only does the required bare minimum to communicate with residents, and it leaves many feeling frustrated. I believe that the county should always do more than the bare minimum to keep the residents informed. Even if the meeting times are not, or cannot be moved, live streams and other technological tools could improve the county’s relationship with the public.

Protecting / Preserving our rural way of life and agriculture
As a rancher, I am deeply connected to the land and want to see our agricultural land preserved. Not just our agriculture, but I also want to see our rural way of life preserved as well as it can be while still allowing the county to grow and prosper. I don’t see our current county leadership doing either one very well. Across our state, and our country, it seems like the Ag industry is under attack. Big corporations are trying to take over everything, and the family farm or ranch is slowly being pushed out. We may only be one county, but I would like to see us preserve the family farm/ranch here in Robertson County and protect our land and water in general. We have already lost over 10,000 acres to solar and data center projects (if they are all completed).

Responsible Growth and Balanced Budget
I believe that these go hand in hand. I would utilize my accounting education and business experience to ensure that the budget works, not only to keep the county running, but to keep taxes as low as possible. We cannot always avoid tax increases, but we can certainly work to keep them low through efficiency, proper prioritization of projects/purchases, heavily focusing on government grants available, etc.

Roads
As this is a largely rural county, many residents live on unpaved roads. While it would be impossible to go out tomorrow and pave every road, I believe there is certainly room for improvement in how they are managed. I know there are grants available to pave roads, and the county may already be taking advantage of some of them, but I would pursue them heavily. I would also investigate dust control technology, such as topical applications, that can reduce or eliminate dust for extended periods, and if economical, recommend those to the commissioners.

Private Property Rights
When discussing abatements and whether we should even have solar or data projects in the county, I know a few people that have brought up private property rights. I absolutely believe in private property rights and have no intention of doing anything to restrict folks from doing what they wish to do with their own property. I do believe that, if possible, we need some sort of zoning laws or regulations in place for the industrial use of land in Robertson County. We cannot undo anything that has already been done, but if we can safeguard the rest of the county for the future, then I am all for it, and if that results in someone not being able to sell their land to a solar project, because the solar company decides they no longer wish to build in Robertson County, then I am sorry for your loss, but I believe the county will be better off for it.

Finally, the County Judge does not get to make unilateral decisions. As a matter of fact, it is the County Commissioners who vote on and pass most of the county business. I cannot sit here and promise that I will make x, y, or z happen. I can only tell you where I would stand on an issue, what I would recommend or counsel to others, and the effort I would make to help Robertson County continue being the best county possible. So, if you are unhappy with how the county has been run up until now, or there was a major decision made that you feel wasn’t in the best interest of many of the residents here in Robertson County, and you would like to see a change, vote. Not just for me, but for the other county positions that are contested as well. Much like we see at the state and federal level, if you keep voting for the same people, you will get the same results. If I get elected, but there is no change within the County Commissioner positions, you will still largely have the same government going forward. Thank you for your consideration, God bless Texas, and God bless Robertson County.