This web site is provided for the purpose of communicating my background, my qualifications and my goals as they relate to the office of DeWitt County Judge.  I am the Republican nominee.

My opponent is the Honorable  Ben Prause who completes his 24th year of service as county judge at the end of this year. He already holds the distinction of being the longest-serving county judge in DeWitt County history. At age 77, he is asking for a 7th term which would keep him in office until the end of 2014 if he chooses to serve the full term. If he fails to serve the full term for any reason, the commissioners court can appoint his replacement.

Since 1994, I have served in several capacities in the DeWitt County Republican Party. My political involvement initially was as an election day clerk and then  as an election judge for several years. I was eventually elected as a precinct chairman and then to the office of county chairman in 2000. My eight years of service as county chairman brought me into contact with many state and national leaders with whom I have developed working relationships. I believe these relationships can be leveraged  and potentially benefit the county as we move ahead. 

My years as a director and president of the DeWitt County Taxpayers League (1988-1994) have provided a good grounding on the administrative operations of the county government and the budgeting process which are the primary functions of the rural county judge in Texas.

Being a self-employed businessman since 1986 and a rancher in DeWitt County since 1996, I have felt the impact of the property tax burden - which has doubled in the last eight years. I have also experienced the hardship of droughts and I am familiar with the opportunities associated with oil and gas leasing.

When it comes to the business of the county, I am committed to prioritizing the budget in order to keep taxes as low as possible while providing a level of service which meets the needs of our citizens.