The Seguin Daily News continues to highlight the local candidates appearing on the March 1, 2022 Primary Election. Each candidate was asked to respond to the following three questions. Early voting begins Monday, Feb. 14 and runs through Friday, Feb. 25. Today’s featured contest is the race for Republican nomination for Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 4. There are no local candidates appearing on the Democratic ballot for this position.
Judy Cope
County Commissioner Pct. 4
Incumbent
Why am I running?
I am Judy Cope and I have served as your County Commissioner for Guadalupe County Pct. 4 for the past 19 years and I am also the Judge Pro Team. I am again running for the position of County Commissioner. With my diversified background in Criminal justice, emergency management, accounting, ranching and as a business owner and Realtor, I have been able to understand and deal with the many different issues that arise in Guadalupe County. My one and only job now is to serve the residents of Guadalupe County. I am available to you, the taxpayer, whenever you need me. It is a privilege and honor to serve you. I am here again to ask for your vote and I would like to continue to serve our residents.
What are the biggest challenges facing the winner of this seat and how are you prepared to address those challenges?
Things are changing very quickly with the large influx of people that are moving into Guadalupe County. Experience and knowledge counts when it comes to dealing with the complex problems that are arising. There are a lot of laws, which only pertain to the counties, and with my knowledge of the laws and also knowing the duties and limitations of the county commissioners, I will be able to continue to better serve our residents. Due to the fact that our Commissioners Court has been very progressive in planning for the future our county was better prepared, than many other counties were, for the growth. However I am not sure that anyone was prepared to see it come all at once. I want to continue to provide a consistently low county tax rate while providing better services to our residents. Continue to work to ensure positive growth which is a must to protect our residents and the county. To be able to help finish the new “Guadalupe County Veteran’s Outreach Center” to bring more services to our veterans.
What do you believe makes you the best candidate for the job? In other words, what do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
With a new engineer coming on board, I look forward to upgrading our roads and working to improve drainage. I have worked to help bring thousands of jobs to our county and improve our resident’s way of life. There is still a lot to be done and I would like to continue to serve you. Experience counts and it is needed to continue to with positive growth, better roads, improved drainage, and services for our veterans and improve the lives of the residents. I have worked to provide our resident’s better fire and public safety protection by adding additional funding and equipment to our VFD and our Sheriff and Constables.
The County is in the process of evaluating how we can combine forces with the Volunteer Fire Departments and build new fire stations in order to respond faster. The Commissioners Court has provided more communication equipment to both the fire departments and the Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department and constable’s will also have computers in all of the vehicles. This will get information to officers faster and also allow them to stay on patrol for your safety. The county has purchased 134 ac. of land for a new justice center. I would like to see these projects come to fruition for the benefit of our residents as I continue to keep my commitments to all of the Guadalupe County residents.
Stephen Germann
County Commissioner Pct. 4
Why am I running?
I want to make a difference in helping to make Precinct 4 a better place to live, work, and raise families. I was born in Guadalupe County and grew up in Precinct 4. Guadalupe County has always been a good place to be for my family. I enjoy this community and its people. We must work to maintain and improve the quality of life for all citizens. Roads, fire protection, and safety have generally been acceptable but must be brought to a higher standard in some areas. With the rapid urbanization, the level of the quality of life we have known may no longer be the same unless someone steps in and works on infrastructure. County government must move faster than the developments to protect the quality of life for residents.
I will be a representative of all the people of Precinct 4. When people have problems, I will be a leader they can count on for guidance. I will be responsive and transparent. I will answer calls and emails.
The budget needs to be more precise in its process. It is important to find money in the budget for infrastructure and public safety. If possible, taxes should be cut. Government has no money. It belongs to the people. I will do my best to represent all people.
What are the biggest challenges facing the winner of this seat and how are you prepared to address those challenges?
1. Sense of Urgency in Government. The growth is fast. The developers work fast. County government must keep pace and ahead of the curve. I will be a hands-on manager working to solve problems with existing roads before they become bigger issues for current residents.
2. A Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan. The unprecedented growth in the area is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. The county government must be responsive to the needs of the people and area in this everchanging environment. Road maintenance, fire, and environmental departments must be improved and enlarged.
3. Representative Government for the People. If people have issues, they need to be able to call someone that will be responsive to their needs in a timely manner. There should be a response with an answer, good or bad. There should be transparency in what tax dollars are doing for people. Government needs to be proactive in working with its constituents to achieve desirable results.
I bring business and management experience to continue and develop working relationships with other county officials and departments, cities, and neighboring counties, contractors, and the public. I have worked in private business and also with large corporations to set attainable goals and roadmaps to achieve them while adjusting to bubbles along the way.
When elected, I will provide excellent service, foster a culture open to change, and encourage ongoing improvement. My commitment to you is road repair, transparent budgeting, ensuring public safety, addressing flooding issues, economic development, small business support, and most importantly, being accessible and responsible to you.
What do you believe makes you the best candidate for the job? In other words, what do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
I have sound skill sets that will deliver positive results for all citizens of Precinct 4. I have land management experience which is valuable in the subdivision oversight process. This experience also helps with road building and maintenance.
In my job as a mid-level manager for large companies, it was important to work in a team spirit with all people – from company executives to laborers. I have the reputation of being a good team leader.
I also have experience working with multi-million-dollar budgets. The workforce I managed consistently reevaluated their position to stay within the budget. We accomplished goals by being flexible and working together. It is my goal to carry that same reputation of being a team leader with a positive solution-oriented approach to problem solving. I intend to be a “hands-on” and visible manager attuned to the health and safety of the people.
In agribusiness, I manage budgets, equipment, assets, and work with vendors. I can carry forward these skill sets into the commissioner’s job. I have land management experience which is valuable to subdivision development processes.
I do not intend to live anywhere else. I want a great future here for not only my family but all residents of Precinct 4.
Joel W. Hicks
County Commissioner Pct. 4
Why am I running?
I am seeking this office to be an engaged leader committed to working full time on the important issues facing the residents of Guadalupe County.
As a homeowner, parent, and veteran, I am running for the Commissioner’s position to keep this county a great place to live, from raising a family to retirement. Guadalupe county families face many challenges but are also part of an amazing community with diverse commerce and engaged citizens. Unfortunately, the recent explosive growth has threatened our quality of life. I am committed to the work of building a county government that keeps our families safe, protects our homes from flooding, repairs and maintains our roads, and creates good jobs that enable families to thrive.
What are the biggest challenges facing the winner of this seat and how are you prepared to address those challenges?
Our roads and growth are some of the biggest challenges facing our community. My top priorities are the condition of our roads, the explosive growth, and the strain that growth has on our public safety services. We’ve watched as development continues to explode in our area – mainly because people recognize the unique character and opportunities our community offers. We must prohibit irresponsible growth through sound regulations and partnerships with the municipalities in our county. Guadalupe County Judge Kutscher has identified that more strategic planning in collaboration with city partners and TxDOT will positively impact the anticipated growth and improve outcomes for our residents. I support his approach and help advocate for better regulations for both the cities and county in my role as City Councilman-Mayor Pro-tem and my seat on the AAMPO-TAC.
When elected, I will provide excellent service, foster a culture open to change, and encourage ongoing improvement. My commitment to you is road repair, transparent budgeting, ensuring public safety, addressing flooding issues, economic development, small business support, and most importantly, being accessible and responsible to you.
What do you believe makes you the best candidate for the job? In other words, what do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
engaged for the work. I know how many hours and how difficult the task at hand is. I have worked as the Guadalupe County Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Technical Advisory Committee appointee. This work helped secure funding for several major road projects in the county, including FM 1103, FM 1518, and Cordova Road from FM 46 to FM123. Over the last several years, I’ve worked collaboratively to find smart solutions to manage the explosive growth we’ve seen.
I have the experience in government budgets, operations, and community service necessary to be an effective Commissioner. I’ve spent the time building relationships with County Officials, Mayors, TxDOT, and other regional partners to bring Guadalupe County and its concerns to a regional table. These partnerships have been vital in securing funds and required active participation. That protects our tax dollars and our quality of life. Like you, I want Guadalupe County to continue to benefit from this work.