What’s your favorite place in Hays County?
There are many wonderful places in Hays County, so it's difficult to choose just one, but two that come to mind are Centro Cultural de Hispana de San Marcos and our Hays County Historic Courthouse. Centro, not only because of the programs it provides or the services it offers to our community, but because of what it symbolizes for San Marcos and Hays County. In addition to the art and music classes that are culturally relevant, it pays respects to our city’s heritage and represents turning pain and hardship into power. It’s places like Centro that remind us just how important it is to pay respects to our history, while also fostering a stronger community for future generations. The Courthouse, of course, due to its rich history and what it represents for San Marcos and Hays County. It’s not only the center of our county, but the center of our county government – a government that aims to serve everyone.
What’s your history of supporting Democratic organizations prior to your run for office?
For years, I have supported the Hays County Democratic Party, San Marcos Area Democrats, and Hays County Tejano Democrats through various fundraisers, events, and sponsorships.
Have you ever donated and/or voted for a Republican? If so, why and to whom?
I have never donated/voted for a Republican.
What is your biggest liability or weakness as a candidate, and what is your response to people who may hold that against you?
I’ve been told my biggest liability is the number of years I’ve served in office, however, I feel that is my greatest strength as a candidate because it has given me the opportunity to fully understand and represent our community. In one of the fastest growing counties in our nation, and in addition to being in a period of time where our state legislature affects our ability to easily make decisions, we need proven leadership in a time of uncertainty. As the most senior member on the court, I have proven that I am the right person for that role.
How do you plan to improve East Hays roads if elected?
Throughout my tenure, we have made historic investments in infrastructure in Precinct 1. Now more than ever, we must work with local and federal governments to leverage additional resources to improve maintaining and expanding infrastructure in East Hays County. In addition to investing in infrastructure, such as roads, we must also be intentional about investing in public transportation to cut down on traffic and congestion. I am committed to continuing working alongside local leaders to advocate more sustainable communities that are walkable and bikeable so that we can provide our residents with additional transportation options.
What are the weaknesses of the Commissioners Court? How do you plan to address these weaknesses?
Because we each represent a geographic region of Hays County, we all have varied interests and priorities when it comes to investment of governmental resources and programs, so we must balance the wants and needs of every Hays County resident while representing precinct 1 which has been historically underserved due to the priorities of previous Commissioners Courts. I’m grateful that we currently have a Democratic majority, however, we must now empower our neighbors to advocate for investment that is long overdue.
How do you feel about abortion access? How will you support women on this issue?
I have spent my tenure on our court advocating for more robust and high quality healthcare for all Hays County residents. I have a track record of supporting public health initiatives and healthcare access, and would never intentionally or overtly hinder anyone’s access to healthcare. I have no interest and will not support local policies or ordinances that intentionally target women and pregnant individuals.
What Democratic values will you apply to your work once elected?
I fundamentally believe our economy should work for everyone. Each and every one of our neighbors has a right to healthcare, diverse and strong communities, and our elections should be fair and free for all.
Hays County uses vote centers, meaning Hays County voters may cast ballots at any vote center in the county during the times the vote centers are operating.
