What to know about the Precinct 4 race for Williamson County commissioner
Republican Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles is running for his second term against Democratic challenger Jose Orta on Nov. 8.
Boles is a 54-year-old commercial real estate broker and attorney. He has a bachelor's degree in business from Texas State University and a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He was first elected to the Williamson County Commissioners Court in 2018. Boles won the Republican primary in March against opponent Terri Romere by 2,223 votes.
Orta, 60, is an Air Force veteran and the only Democrat to file to run for the office. He has a bachelor's degree in business and management from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in international relations from Troy State University in Alabama. He also has an associate degree in management studies from the University of Maryland and an associate degree in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force. He has more than 30 years of community advocacy involvement, including being a member of several organizations such as the city of Taylor Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.
Precinct 4 covers the eastern portion of the county, including Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, Granger, Coupland and Thrall. A county commissioner serves a four-year term. Both candidates responded to a series of questions about their campaigns.
Early voting begins Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Precinct 4?
Boles: Growth and private development move at a fast pace. Trucking companies and subdivisions seem to spring into existence overnight, causing difficult or unsafe road conditions. Public roads are for everyone, but they must be planned and they take time to construct. Therefore, I have pushed forward on building the Southeast Loop and constructing additional lanes on Chandler Road, major improvements to the county’s road system.
More:Federal lawsuit seeks removal of Confederate statue outside Williamson County Courthouse
Orta: There is perhaps no greater issue facing eastern Williamson County than managing the increasing pressures of growth and development in such a way to complement and enhance the character of Williamson County. This unprecedented growth will impact and put a strain on our roads, public safety and health infrastructure. We need a county commissioner who will look out for the common good and not private developers. I want to work for the residents of Williamson County not the developers.
What are your goals if elected?
Boles: It is no secret that Williamson County has growing pains. From roads, to jobs, to safe neighborhoods, we need to work for solutions together. The answers will come from citizens, landowners, MUDs, cities, school districts, the state of Texas and Williamson County. We need to continue to address core services and the weight taxes place on our citizens, together. Together, is how we reach the best for our citizens.
Orta: This is a full-time job, and we deserve a full-time commissioner who will show up to work for the people and make Williamson County a great place for all of us to live, work and play. I believe in a government that enhances the lives of its citizens. For too long, there has been unfettered spending on lawsuits and political agendas and not enough on the bread-and-butter issues that government is charged with, such as building, maintaining and fixing our roads and bridges, and providing for the public good. We have an aging infrastructure in eastern Williamson County, and it needs our attention.
Do you think the Confederate statue on the Williamson County courthouse grounds in Georgetown should be relocated?
Boles: The issue of the statue is tied up in a (federal) lawsuit and I cannot answer.
Orta: It makes no sense to honor people who left the Union and declared war upon it so that it could keep fellow human beings enslaved and as property. Our multiethnic, multicultural, diverse county does not need a monument that honors and glamorizes a lost cause. Times have changed. Williamson County has changed. Its placement is inappropriate. It's time to move it.
More:Williamson Commissioner Boles faces off in Republican primary against former Trustee Romere
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Boles: I’m not an activist. County commissioner is the least sexy elected office in government. Serving as commissioner is about managing taxes. Serving is about providing core services like roads, safe neighborhoods and making sure our law enforcement and first responders have what they need to do their jobs. Serving is about understanding the weight taxes put on a citizen. That's why this year, between lowering the county’s tax rate and increasing the homestead exemption, the average homeowner in the county will see their Williamson County tax bill decrease by at least $200.
Orta: I have 30 plus years of community advocacy involvement in this county. My varied work and well-rounded community involvement has prepared me for this leadership position. I believe in coalition building, creating bridges and leading through consensus. I believe that I have honed the skills through my decades of community service to be more inclusive of all our residents. As Williamson continues to grow and prosper, we must continue to remember to include all the community in that growth and prosperity. I believe I can bridge the gap between the community we serve and those tasked with governing.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What to know about Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 4 election
