May 2022 Election: Matthew Benson

What made you want to run for this position?

I have witnessed the work that has already been invested in the ESD and know that as Elgin and the surrounding area grows there is even more to be done. I want to be part of ensuring that Elgin has the best fire and EMS service available in the area.  

What kind of experience - educational, professional or personal - do you bring to this position?

I have worked as a professional firefighter for the past twenty years and volunteered for five years prior to obtaining my fire certification. I have been involved with/worked for departments that have experienced massive population growth and retail/business development in that time. I have worked for an ESD department for the past twenty years and have seen firsthand the demands and expectations required to be a commissioner. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the Elgin area?

The biggest hurdle the ESD faces is the reality that Elgin cannot remain a single, all-volunteer fire department due to the massive growth forecasted for this area. The influx of population and the spread of development will lead to multiple calls and extended response times, therefore necessitating the reliability of a 24/7 on-duty, paid staff to offer the best service to the residents. 

How do you expect the ESD to adapt as Bastrop County’s population grows? Where do you see the city in five years?

The ESD is already taking the proper first steps by hiring a fire chief. Next, they need to review call volume and call types to ensure the ESD can maintain reasonable response times. It is imperative to begin forecasting the population growth in the area so the ESD can scout potential location(s) for future station(s), as real estate values will only continue to increase. 

What is one issue you want to fix or improve if you take office?

I believe it is imperative for fire responders to have the necessary equipment to provide the best service to our community, especially regarding medical care. They also need the best training with regard to medical care, as almost 80% of calls that fire departments respond to are medical in nature. If our first responders have to wait for an ambulance to arrive to offer more advanced care it is especially important, they are adequately equipped to handle these emergencies.