Michelle Gutierrez Cohen – Hays County Judge

Michelle Gutierrez Cohen

 

What is your work history, including current employment? Please respond in a list format.

I have over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in supply management, contract management, IT system implementation, and training. Additionally, I have served as  Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 2 for the past three years.

I also serve on various boards, including CARTS, Hays County Food Bank, Capital Area Housing Finance Corporation, Clean Air Coalition, and I am the Chair of the Public Health Advisory Board for Hays County.

 

What is your educational history, including degrees received, licenses, professional credentials, etc.? Please respond in a list format.

-Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS)
-Master Business Administration (MBA)
-Doctorate in Management in Organizational Leadership (DM). Dissertation title: "Breaking Barriers: A Qualitative Narrative Inquiry of Hispanic Women Community Leadership in Central Texas"

 

What is your history of supporting Democratic organizations and/or candidates?

I was a Democratic precinct chair and have been a campaign manager for four campaigns. I am also a sustaining member of the Hays Democratic Party and a sponsor of events.

 

What, if any, experience do you have with non-partisan volunteering and community engagement in Hays County?

I formed a grassroots organization called Hays Latinos United as a direct response to the racial disparities of COVID against the Latino community. I have consistently assisted with many different events supporting food distributions, school supplies, coats and sneakers, and toys. I have also mentored for the Seedling Mentor Program, which helps children dealing with the impact of parental incarceration and those who have been deported.

 

The cost of living in Hays County has skyrocketed. Within the specific authority of the office you are seeking, what concrete steps will you take to address affordability, housing stability, or the economic burden on taxpayers?

The first step is maintaining fiscal responsibility so we do not place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. This is why I started the Hays County Procurement Office so we can better track and manage our county expenditures.

The next step is implementing a Strategic Plan for Hays County to coordinate investments in our water, infrastructure, and housing projects so we can manage our growth responsibly. This is a standard practice for most cities in Texas, and it makes no sense why a large and growing County such as Hays does not have one. Also, aligning social service allocations to non-profits with the needs of the community.

I would also like to see a housing study done here in Hays County so we can better understand our housing needs and see what is working and where we can improve.

 

Our region faces historic drought conditions. Our groundwater resources are threatened by pressure from development and drought. How will you prioritize water conservation and environmental stewardship when making decisions regarding development, land use, or legal disputes involving natural resources?

Protecting our hill country environment and conserving our green spaces and limited water is of the utmost importance. We must be good stewards of our Edwards Aquifer and make sure our wells don’t run dry.

While the County does not have direct regulation of development and land use (not to mention the State of Texas taking away powers from cities and counties), there are still tools at our disposal to manage our growth responsibly. I support using impact fees for water/wastewater and lane mileage fees for developments so we can continue to improve our roads and utilities while making sure developers pay their fair share for community benefits. We also must think regionally, how can neighboring counties work together in creating a plan for the future.

 

Hays County is becoming an attractive target for Data Centers that use a significant amount of water and electricity to service primarily non-local data requests. How can we balance technological advancement while preserving our resources?

I remain skeptical of the proposed benefits of data centers coming into Hays County, especially with the strain on our already limited water supply and power grid. While the Commissioners Court does not have direct authority over land use and zoning, I firmly believe these data centers should not be subsidized, shift costs onto our taxpayers, or compete with residents for water and electricity. Should data centers come into Hays County, I will use the tools available to ensure residents are protected and that our water and energy are conserved.

 

A judge recently overturned the 2024 Hays County Road Bond due to insufficient public notice, and that decision is being appealed. What processes will you follow to ensure appropriate notice and public input in the decisions the county faces?

The first and simplest step is to follow all state laws to ensure proper notice and public input are allowed. This is a basic level of competent governance, especially when it comes to a large and growing county such as Hays.

Hays residents voted and approved the road bond. Every day, inflation and labor costs go up, but our bond dollars stay the same. This should never have wound up delayed in court, and every day of delay means our dollars get weaker. I look forward to the appeal so we can get back to improving our infrastructure here in Hays County.

 

What Democratic principles are most important to you and how will they inform your actions as County Judge?

Collaboration, respect for local governance, and effective public service are core Democratic principles I bring to my work as a County Commissioner every day, and what I will bring as your County Judge. Our cities, school boards, and local leaders know their communities best, and the County needs to be a partner working alongside them so we can tackle the big issues together, such as improving our roads, managing our growth, and making Hays County a more affordable place for all.

 

Yes or no, did you use AI to assist you in answering any of these questions?

no