“I want to thank everybody for participating in this very important process. Thank you, judges Garret and Stubbs. Thank you for the fairness in moderating. And for our supporters. Thank you for attending. I hope our lively debate validated the reason for your support. I will take days on. I will take days off. When I became chief, I listened to my captains as a group and individually. I didn’t step on their toes. I let them do their job. My door was always open, and when they asked for help, we worked out solutions together.
“We have some very talented people working for us at all levels, and we empower them to be successful. I have built relationships on mutual respect with Burnet County employees and elected officials. I hope in time I have gained their respect.
“We will empower our employees to be successful. The commissioners will be informed and involved on all projects, and we will work to unite the court for the county. Working together, we will develop a strategic short- and long-term plan to address growth and infrastructure – a five-, 10-, 15-year plan that includes all stakeholders including all surrounding counties – getting back to the five responsibilities.
I will be as persistent as I was representing the sheriff’s office in demonstrating my ability to successfully perform those responsibilities for Burnet County. I have two community involvement goals. Both are centered on truth and transparency in government and in service to the citizens of Burnet County.
First, forming a county government efficiency council. Identifying and engaging experienced community members, working with county em-ployees to help identify waste, reduce debt – all while ensuring basic county services and finding funding for department budget requests.
Second, form a Burnet County faith advisory council. Working with church leaders in all cities within Burnet County and scheduling monthly prayer breakfast rotating throughout the county and inviting city state and elected officials.
