Election Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Collin County judge (2024)

Why are you running for office?

My roots run deep in Collin County. Five generations of my family have made their home here, and I’m working hard to preserve and protect the blessings and the opportunities of Collin County for future generations of all our families. I love the people and the communities of our county, and it’s my privilege to serve and represent you and your family.

What are the biggest challenges facing the county? How do you plan to address these issues?

Collin County is the most dynamic—and fastest growing—county in Texas and one of the strongest counties in the United States. Our most significant challenges are related to serving our rapidly growing population, including transportation, public safety and criminal justice. We plan for these challenges constantly so that we can continue to deliver first-class services while also keeping county taxes low.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

I truly enjoy the collaborative nature of serving in county government. My team and I work nonstop with state, city and other county officials to deliver the best services and the best results for our Collin County neighborhoods, families and business community. Over the next four years, we will continue to work together to keep Collin County the best place to live, work and raise a family!

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the county to explore?

In 2020, I stood strong to defend the liberties and the livelihoods of all Texans. The results are clear now. Today, Collin County is arguably the healthiest, safest and strongest county in Texas! Collin County also has the lowest county property tax rate in Texas, and the county leads the way across Texas in economic opportunity and county government efficiency!

Why are you running for office?

I am running to establish an accountable and transparent government that is respectful of all people. After attending meetings for a year and observing the lack of accountability, lack of planning, lack of emergency management protocols, lack of operational experience and an unwillingness to make decisions based on what’s best for the people and employees of Collin County, I felt compelled to run.

What are the biggest challenges facing the county? How do you plan to address these issues?

Restoring people’s confidence in government institutions, maintaining cost-effective essential services, providing adequate mental health services, delivering sufficient substance abuse services/awareness, combating drug trafficking, and addressing the incentivized residential developments that have created unaffordable living conditions for many Texans. I will address these by establishing an accountable and transparent government.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

As county judge, my immediate focus is to improve county infrastructure; develop best practices for incentivized residential developments; refine mental health, public health and public safety response procedures; establish an operational office of emergency management; improve employee retention by respecting people; increase transparency by holding one nightly meeting per month; broadcasting meetings on social media; requiring county staff participation; and ensuring public comments are always at the beginning of meetings.

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the county to explore?

As county judge, my administration will encourage the use of ODMAP to combat fentanyl; terminate the jail contract [and] health care contract with Wellpath LLC; establish a program to reduce homelessness in Collin County; and establish a functional office of emergency management to prepare for emergency situations, natural disasters, fire, public health and infrastructure failures.

Transportation and Real Estate Reporter

Colby joined Community Impact in July 2022. He covers transportation and real estate for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. Prior to joining CI, he worked for student newspapers at Del Mar College and The University of Texas at Arlington while attending school. In his spare time, Colby enjoys playing guitar, writing music and camping.