November 2022 Local Election Guide

With the early voting period starting next week, learn more about your candidates for local offices with our November election guide. To recap, with no races for city or school board seats in our area, there are four contested candidate races in Bastrop County.

We sent a survey to each candidate in each contested race for each position on the ballot based on contact information at hand. We received these responses by our deadline of Oct. 17. If other responses are received this week, they will be added to our digital version of the Local Election Guide at the Elgin Courier website, http://www.elgincourier.com.

Early voting begins on Oct. 24, and Election Day is Nov. 8. To confirm your voter registration status, see your sample ballot and learn more about the election, visit http://www.bastropvotes.org.

County Judge

Gregory Klaus

Ronnie McDonald

Dock Jackson

I am Dock Jackson and want to be your next Bastrop County judge. As an experienced leader in Bastrop County, I hope that you will seriously consider me as your next county judge. I have worked with a team of residents throughout Bastrop County as a dedicated public servant for most of my life and would like to continue serving you the residents of Bastrop County. I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election. If you have any questions or concerns, please look at my website, www.dockjackson.com, or my Facebook page, Dock Jackson for Bastrop County Judge.

What made you want to run for this position?

As a fifth generation Bastrop County resident, I have always been involved with the Bastrop County community. My various positions in this county go back many years as a citizen, elected official, landowner, tax payer, volunteer, business owner and various other levels of participation in Bastrop County. Through this experience, I have many concerns for the community which I love and have dedicated many years of public service. In 1998, I was  approached to run for Bastrop County judge after serving 10 years on the Bastrop City Council. It was an open seat like it is now, and I was encouraged to run. At the last minute, I opted out of a run. I was in a similar situation last year when several citizens approached me again to run for Bastrop County judge. Again, it was an open seat and I felt the timing was right to throw my hat in the ring. I am encouraged that through the over three decades of public service I have devoted to my county, I can make a difference in managing the county I love and will to the best of my ability include all of Bastrop County in my decision making. 

Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?

Many years of experience in public service including almost three decades on the Bastrop City Council, 10 years of service as Elgin’s first parks and recreation director, 10 years of service with Bastrop County including positions in the Bastrop County Judge’s office, the Bastrop County Clerk’s Office and the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 office. With these experiences and the many people I have worked with over the years, I feel that we as a team have made a difference in the quality of life for the residents of Bastrop County. I could not have done the many things that our citizens now enjoy such as the first Bastrop County park and various park improvements in the cities of Bastrop and Elgin.  Being on the board of the first Main Street Program in Bastrop and having a great team of board members on the economic development corporation to work with have opened my eyes to the many needs of the county. With a team of dedicated individuals, we have provided scholarships for all of the high schools in Bastrop County for several years, and I hope to continue in that effort. Additionally, I have been involved over the years with BEST (Bastrop+Elgin+Smithville+Texas) which is a county wide organization that unites the cities, school districts, county and chambers of commerce. This is an effort I hope to continue to expand as my goal is to unite our county with many more cooperative efforts which will bring success to our county.

My personal experiences in Bastrop are numerous. I was raised and educated in Bastrop public schools. My family has a long history of public service to the community, and I have continued that tradition. Whether it be working with community service organizations like Rotary, Lions, Optimists or other similar organizations. Currently, I serve as the president with a dedicated group of volunteers on the Kerr Community Center Board of Directors. Together with many residents from throughout the county, we organized the first countywide celebration of Juneteenth and established the annual Bastrop County Martin Luther King Holiday Commission and Walk, which rotates throughout the cities of Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville each year. This effort developed into many local organizations providing community service projects and issuing scholarships to seniors in all the high schools in the county. For an extensive list of my experience in Bastrop County and beyond, go to my website: www.dockjackson.com.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Bastrop County?

The challenges are multiple including Growth, Development, Expansion, Infrastructure, and Employment. All of these challenges are linked because as we continue to grow and the demand for development cause us to rethink our expansion, our infrastructure and employment challenges are also affected. We as a county need to seriously develop a comprehensive plan which addresses all of these challenges, and I hope with the Commissioners Court, the cities, school districts and other organizations and the citizens, we can work to accomplish this plan and successfully implement it.

Thus far, what is a front that Bastrop County appears to be going in the right direction?

Bastrop County has proven to be a great location with tremendous potential for future development and growth. The County has seemingly taken this seriously and is beginning to address the many facets that this growth and development have created. The County has to the best of their ability taken on the challenge and is beginning to realize that this growth and expansion is not just a passing trend. I applaud the judge and commissioners for recognizing that growth is inevitable and that action is needed.

How do you expect Bastrop County to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see Bastrop County in five years?

As addressed in the earlier question on challenges, I hope to develop a comprehensive plan that will effectively meet the challenge through serious planning and developing a long range plan for the growth that continues to occur. In five years, if I am elected as your county judge, I hope that we as a county can be ahead of the curb in planning and implementing a solution to the growth that is apparent. In addressing this growth, I hope that we can continue to make Bastrop County a place where people can enjoy a comfortable way of life by keeping it affordable for the current residents and making sure that the new development that occurs will pay for itself and not burden the current population .

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

I have been a continuous public servant for this county for most of my adult life. My love and commitment to our county is evident and with the support of the community my leadership and continued involvement will make a difference in the community we all know and love. I pledge to continue to love and devote my time, energy, knowledge, skills and experience to make Bastrop County the best that it can be.

Any other information you would like to share with voters?

Thank you for your continued support as I step forward as a candidate for Bastrop County Judge. I realize the responsibility this office holds and do not take it lightly. I promise to be the best I can be as your next Bastrop County Judge and with your support we can make Bastrop a better place to live. I understand the issues that we as a county face and feel that I am the right person for the job at the right time.

Dock Jackson, “An Experienced Voice of Action and Leadership for Bastrop County.”

County Commissioner — Precinct 2

Willy Ray Culberson

Clara Beckett

What made you want to run for this position?

Serving as county commissioner for Precinct 2 since first elected in November of 2002 has been an honor. I first ran because I felt my education and experience would bring value to the position.

Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University from the college of engineering with a major in Construction Engineering. After graduating and while attending school I worked in the field on a variety of projects such as, detailing reinforcing and structural steel, surveying, office engineering, field engineering, estimating and project management.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Bastrop County, if not your precinct specifically?

As Bastrop County grows, local and regional transportation issues are and will continue to be a challenge. We must be clearly focused on ensuring we are preparing for the future in terms of solid transportation planning efforts that allow us to require right-of-way dedication from developers, requiring traffic impact analysis and other tools to ensure we are preparing for future transportation needs. 

Thus far, what is a front that Bastrop County appears to be going in the right direction?

As the liaison to development services, we are consistently updating our processes and procedures to make sure we are doing all that we can do to ensure growth is managed properly. Counties have limited authority in Texas, but there are tools in the toolbox that we need to utilize to ensure growth does not bring burden to the current taxpayers.

We are also aggressively pursuing all available grants. These are our federal tax dollars and particularly as related to fire and flood disasters, we are getting great work done to mitigate future hazards. We don’t need to put things back the way they were. We need to put things back that are more resilient to future events. This is a passion of mine. Over the last 12 years and ongoing still today, we have brought in about 100 million dollars in various Federal dollars to make Bastrop County more resilient to fires and floods. I want to continue this work.

How do you expect Bastrop County to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see Bastrop County in five years?

It certainly appears that we will continue to grow. We must be prepared to adapt to legislative changes and continue to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep growth manageable. 

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

Bastrop County needs strong leadership, now more than ever. I am a proven leader. Having served as the liaison to development services, the representative to CAMPO and serving on numerous committees tasked with updating our floodplain order, subdivision regulations, capital improvement projects and leading our Road and Bridge department with solid education and experience I believe I am the best candidate for the job.

I also serve as the judge pro tem in the event the county judge is absent or unavailable as the longest serving member of the court.

Any other information you would like to share with voters?

I love serving the citizens of this county and ask for your vote to continue to serving as the Bastrop County commissioner of Precinct 2.

County Commissioner — Precinct 4

David Glass

Cheryl Renee Reese

What made you want to run for this position?

I am running for Bastrop County Commissioner for Precinct 4 because I see the opportunity to help Bastrop County mature during these current pressing conditions — growth, infrastructureand healthcare. As we think about all the aspects of the community, including diversity, jobs, housing, transportation and healthcare, we all matter and should have a voice. I want to help give residents of Precinct 4 that voice.

Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?

My professional, educational and personal life has all been preparing me for public service. Having graduated with a degree in computer science and math allows you to know that I am able to set goals and complete them. Having worked as a trainer, data analyst and outreach coordinator allows you to also know that I am trained to help the community understand “how to processes” when requesting services needed from the Commissioners Court. Thus, assisting with the transparency that should always be evident in every county process. My data analysis skills help me to understand data from within/outside the county for the budgets, roads and bridges, health initiatives, federal and state programs, and voting. Serving all areas of Precinct 4 in a continued effort to give a voice to residents. My service as a volunteer allows you to know that I care about my community, and I am willing to serve.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Bastrop County, if not your precinct specifically?

Growth is the biggest challenge Bastrop County is facing.

Because of the rate of our growth, we are behind on necessary commodities, such as healthcare facilities and access to these facilities in all county areas. Infrastructure updates that allow even the rurales areas access to internet services which could assist businesses and Tele-med. We must start thinking outside the box to help our community move forward in its growth and not just get swallowed up by the growth. Planning is key.

Thus far, what is a front that Bastrop County appears to be going in the right direction?

We seem to be going in the right direction when it concerns the needs of our ISD. There is still work to be done when it comes to our pay rate for our current teachers and the new teachers, we will need to attract. If the pandemic didn’t teach us anything else, we learned the importance of our teachers, first responders and how strong our community is when it comes to helping each other.

How do you expect Bastrop County to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see Bastrop County in five years?

I expect Bastrop to adapt to its population growth by increasing community services such as:Metro Bus system from Elgin to Bastrop; increasing the current Metro schedule from Elgin to Austin; family health services on the Elgin side of Bastrop County, including an emergency center/hospital to service McDade, Paige and the Elgin community; a stable internet system that can support students, parents, growing businesses, new business and Tele-Med; and acommunication process that allows the community to participate and understand the current and coming changes to their area.

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

What sets me apart from my opponent is that I am seeking to be a fulltime county commissioner.I will serve all residents of Precinct 4. I will listen to the residents and make the tough decisions that get our county roads on a maintenance program. I will set up programs that assist the community with health services. I will seek to make developers accountable for new road development when bringing in new subdivisions. I see an opportunity to give voice to all of the community regardless of race, religion or party. I will listen to the community and look for solutions.

Any other information you would like to share with voters?

You need a leader that you can trust to find solutions and not excuses. A new leader with vision and integrity that will listen when you call. I want to be that leader for you. I listened to what you said when we talked on the porch, in the yard, in the road, at the fence, in the car, by the cows, near the potholes, on the bumpy roads, on the road that needed grating, at the mailbox, out in the corners of the county, in the meetings, at the store, near the bridge, by the broken trees, near the tractors, by the side of the road, at the church, in the parking lot, in your neighborhood, by the barking dog, on the sidewalk, in the back yard, holding the goat, maybe on one of the 367 roads we walked or behind one of the 7580 doors we hit. The question I ask you is “Will you vote for change?” I am your change.

Justice of the Peace — Precinct 1

Dayna Beck

Cindy Allen

What made you want to run for this position?

I decided to run for this particular office because I have always believed in the calling of public service, and the belief of serving my community. Through public service, I found that I have a greater impact upon more people’s lives and make my community a better place to live. I have dedicated my professional career to helping people. My style of advocacy is to give 100% of my knowledge and compassion to the public.

• Dedicated to equal Justice

• Focused on what counts, the people.

• Committed to community, dedicated to progress.

• Justice for all

Describe your experience - educational, professional or personal - that you bring to this position?

I bring over 20 years of experience working within the criminal justice and legal field. I currently hold a criminal justice degree. I attended several continuing education courses to stay informed of new laws effecting my court. I continued my education experience with the Texas Justice Court Training Center (Texas State University), Texas Court Clerk Association, Texas Teen Court Clerk Association, Texas Municipal League, Travis County Adult Probation and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. I also have working knowledge working with law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and community-based programs.

The decisions of a justice of the peace are significant to the people who appear before the court. All persons appearing before the court should be able to trust that the judge is knowledgeable as to the law, the rules of evidence and procedure and is capable of rendering a fair, just and impartial ruling.

I strive for high standards of responsibility, keeping myself accountable for getting work done right, finishing assignments on time. Having a solid work ethic means to understand that productivity, organizational Skills, being reliable and possessing good character are traits that I will continue to administer.

I will work diligently every day to justify your vote for me, and to be worthy of the trust I will be asking you to place in me. Integrity and ethics are part and parcel to this profession where my credibility would be valued. It would be an honor to continue serving my community and the citizens of Bastrop. Thank you.

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am the only candidate who has actual working court experience. I bring a wide range of experience as a justice of the peace, municipal court judge, court administrator, adult probation, juvenile corrections, executive director Bastrop County Teen Court Program and as a business owner. I bring strong administrative skills which are necessary for a judge to hear and decide cases within reasonable time limits without sacrificing the needs of individual citizens.  I bring strong communication skills that would enable me to work extensively with local agencies as well as the community.

As our county grows, it is important that you have someone who has specialized training in the field of court administration as well as the judicial process. I believe I have the professional experience to be an effective judge, the ability to efficiently handle the day-to-day operations, and the professional demeanor to supervise staff and treat the public with respect. I strive for high standards of responsibility and keeping myself accountable for getting work done right. It would be an honor to continue serving the citizens of Bastrop.

Any other information you would like to share with voters?

Biggest challenge Bastrop County — Budgets and high cost of living will always be a challenge for most courts. Bastrop County is one of Texas’s largest growing County. Rapid urbanization and growing populations will force our justice courts to increase in caseloads. Increased caseloads require more staffing which is challenging at budget time. As a justice of the Peace, I make it my priority to develop ways to ensure we are streamlining our caseloads in a timely manner with a limited staff. Understanding how cases move through our system provides valuable insight for various aspects of court administration. Developing new strategies to improve backlogs and delays is vital in a county that is increasingly growing.

A typical day for the justice of the peace — A typical day consist of handling both civil and criminal cases, including small claims court, justice court and administrative hearings. In practical terms, these are lawsuits over debts, evictions, unlawful towing, and personal property. Our criminal workload involves disposing of all class C criminal misdemeanor complaints, such as traffic citations, issuance of bad checks and others. Setting contested cases for trial, and pretrial hearings with the county prosecutor. We conduct weddings in between hearings. Once a month all four justices of the peace work a 24/7 on call rotation. On Call weeks.We magistrate defendants who are currently incarcerated in our jails. We may have 5-15 defendants a day. In between magistrate duties, we may have an inquest call. An Inquest is an investigation of a deceased person to determine cause and manner. 

Accomplishments since 2019 — Since I took office Jan. 1, 2019, I created a night court. We found that not everyone can take off work to take care of their court matters during business hours. Having a night court is an accommodation for people who don’t have the time and resources to attend court during the day. Having a night court ensures that a juvenile offender is not missing school or a parent losing time from work. We improved new litigant information packets to assist people with their filings. We have streamlined our court case logs to ensure we are processing our court case flow in a timely manner. I work closely with my staff to resolve cases in a timely manner. Timely resolution is important, because unnecessary delay creates a barrier for residents needing to address legal matters.