Bastrop mayor pro tem Lyle Nelson announces candidacy for Bastrop County judge

Bastrop Mayor Pro Tem Lyle Nelson on Nov. 19 announced his candidacy for county judge, effectively resigning his seat on the City Council to seek higher office.

Nelson, a Republican who works as chief of staff at Capital Area Rural Transportation System, said his experience as a tank commander in the U.S. Army; as a transportation executive managing people, budgets and projects; and as a City Council member has prepared him to lead the Commissioners Court.

“I have found that taking a collaborative approach while seeking maximum input for optimum output brings about positive results without spending time on who gets the credit or the blame,” Nelson said.

"I know how the state, cities and counties can collaborate, coordinate local services and effectively serve all their citizens including the elderly, the disabled, veterans and others with special needs,” he added. “I know how to put the pieces together, how to translate vision into reality, how to nurture efficiency, responsiveness and accountability.”

Nelson, who has lived in Bastrop since 2009, was elected to the Bastrop City Council in 2017 and reelected in 2020. Because Nelson’s term ends in May 2023, the city will hold a special election to fill the vacancy.

As per the holdover provision in the state constitution, Nelson will continue to serve on the council until his successor is sworn into office.

The City Council at its Dec. 14 meeting is slated to order a special election to be held Jan. 29. The first day candidates will be able to file for a place on the ballot is Dec. 15, the city said.

Nelson said his decision to run for county judge came after consultation with residents and supporters.

“Discussions ran the gamut: public safety, infrastructure, economic growth, transportation and mobility, managing growth within Bastrop County, housing, as well as seeking ways to provide tax relief without compromising services to all of the citizens of Bastrop County,” Nelson said. “All are problems that demand attention and solutions. I believe my career and leadership experience can help the county achieve solutions in a way that enhances rather than undermines this place and the future it holds for us.”

Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape, who has served as the county’s chief administrative officer since 2012, said he has not decided if he’ll seek reelection to a fourth term.

He said he’s exploring a run for state representative for District 17, which includes Bastrop County, since John Cyrier announced he will not seek reelection to the state House.

Pape said he will announce on Dec. 3 whether he will file for reelection or seek higher office.

The deadline to file for a place on the ballot for the March primary is Dec. 13.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elections: Bastrop council member announces bid for county judge