A county judge focused on alliances and efficiency will ask Burnet County voters to select him as the GOP party nominee.
Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson was appointed to the unexpired seat and has made progress in refining the structure and organization of the office.
He offered insight into how he believes he can have an impact if elected.
Q: What inspired you to run for county judge?
A: “Burnet County is our home. My wife has lived in the area for 30 years, and I for 14 years. We’ve raised children and grandchildren here, supported community events, our church, and invested our lives here.
“ When the opportunity to apply for county judge opened, we believed that my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas Tech, along with 34 years of managing county and statewide programs focused on data-driven, cost effective governance, could make a positive impact. I am honored that the commissioners unanimously appointed me.
Q: Why are you the best candidate?
A: “I have the education, experience, contacts, and servant’s heart to lead this county. I also keep my word. Prior to selection as county judge, I said that I would do the following: • Hold transparent budget meetings, which resulted in a 3% tax cut, a limited-growth budget, and no new taxes. The budget dedicated funds to improve roads and meet building needs.
• Bring public safety agencies to identify needs and set priorities. These meetings proved invaluable during the July floods.
• Identify needs of people in crisis, which resulted in a planning grant for mental health needs for the community and courts.”
Q: What are the most important issues facing the county?
A: “Burnet County has not used planning and prioritization to serve its citizens. Every dollar the government takes is a dollar taken away from your family and our local economy.
“A transportation Capital Improvement Plan Program defines specific projects and holds Burnet County officials accountable.
“We need to repair our historic courthouse and plan for future growth. Burnet County must be involved with water and subdivision rules, even though the legislature has limited the county’s role.
“Finally, Burnet County officials must advocate within the law to prevent the use of Burnet County land by outside corporations (e.g., rail, power lines).”
Q: What will be your priorities as county judge?
A: “My priorities are to support the people who live here. Holding the county accountable to finish and implement the long-term capital improvement planning program, building plan, and land use plan.
“I will work tirelessly to ensure taxes stay as low as possible. We must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth based on actual data, not guesswork.
“I will continue to work with Llano and Blanco counties and Marble Falls to improve and upgrade our regional emergency communication system. TxDOT has offered to partner with us to upgrade our software and monitoring.
Q: Describe some of the good things going on in the county now that need to be continued?
A: “Burnet County has an incredible Agri-Life program that supports our youth, land, and community. Our 4H programs give incredible opportunities to learn, compete, build personal responsibility, and obtain scholarships.
“We are moving forward on the land acquisition for the Wirtz Dam Bridge Project.
“This project is coordinated between federal and state partners. It will improve public safety and shorten the time it takes for many people to access our hospitals. We have started plans to renovate our historic courthouse and the county’s historical treasures and spaces.”
Early voting starts Feb. 17 and goes through Feb. 27. Primary election day is Tuesday, March 3. For more details and sample ballots, visit burnetcountyelections. com.
