Williamson County judge race pits Bill Gravell against 2018 opponent Blane Conklin

Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman
·5 min read
The Williamson County courthouse in Georgetown where the county judge meets with commissioners once a week.
The Williamson County courthouse in Georgetown where the county judge meets with commissioners once a week.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell is seeking his second term in office as a Republican against Democratic challenger Blane Conklin. Gravell won his first term in office in 2018 after beating Conklin and another opponent running as an independent.

The 58-year-old county judge previously served one term as justice of the peace for Precinct 3 and also spent 22 years as a youth pastor. He won a Republican primary in March against Ryan Gallagher by 5,976 votes. In 2018, Gravell defeated Conklin, running as a Democrat, by 12,838 votes, and Bill Kelberlau, running as an independent, by 96,132 votes.

Gravell has a bachelor's degree in theology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Conklin, 51, is a senior business analyst for the University of Texas. He has a bachelor's degree in the Bible, theology and church history from Central Bible College in Missouri and a master of divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in Missouri. He also has a PhD in Comparative Semitics in the Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations from the University of Chicago. He faced no opposition in the March primary.

Early voting starts Oct. 24 and ends on Nov. 4.

County Judge Bill Gravell, a Republican, is running for his second term in office against Democrat Blane Conklin.
County Judge Bill Gravell, a Republican, is running for his second term in office against Democrat Blane Conklin.

Both candidates answered a series of questions about their campaigns.

Q. What are you hearing from voters about the most important issues facing the county?

Conklin: By far the biggest issue voters mention is our rapid growth and development. While our current county leadership has focused on inviting and encouraging this development, the question that needs to be addressed is whether we are ready for it. The core duties of county government are to provide for public safety services and infrastructure. Our public safety has been underfunded. Two of the pressing infrastructure needs that have been neglected by the county are broadband and water.

Gravell: The greatest challenge we face is inflation and the impact it has on our community. Our residents are struggling to make ends meet. When the cost of eggs has increased from .82 to $2.82 a dozen and gas prices/food prices/rent/utilities etc. have all seen sharp increases, that impacts our community deeply.The leadership in Washington, D.C., is disconnected with reality in Williamson County, Texas. The solution is twofold; create higher paying quality jobs locally and replace the leadership in Washington.

More:Williamson County Judge Gravell faces GOP opponent Gallagher ahead of primary election

Q. What are your goals if elected?

Conklin: I want to invest in mental and behavioral health resources in a way that truly reflects its priority for us as a growing county. I want to fully fund our first responders in every budget cycle, not play election-year games to try and catch up. I believe we need to explore the possibility of a county-wide regional water authority that would provide a unified approach to the future water needs of everyone in Williamson County. I support bipartisan legislation to study groundwater conditions in Williamson County and surrounding counties.

Gravell: I want to keep Williamson County as the best place to live, work and raise a family. I will provide law enforcement with the resources and training they need to keep Williamson County families safe. I have lowered property taxes and led the charge to raise the homestead exemption for seniors, disabled persons and veterans in Williamson County. I have led the charge to bring new jobs and new economic opportunity to Williamson County.

More:What to know about the Precinct 4 race for Williamson County commissioner

Q. Are you in favor of moving the Confederate statue that stands on the county courthouse grounds?

Conklin: A county courthouse, even if it is no longer used for judicial proceedings, should itself be a public symbol for the administration of equal justice for all. The need and desire to honor one’s ancestors and their lives is natural and understandable. Confederate veterans can be honored at an appropriate location. I do not believe that the county courthouse should be that location.

Gravell: As the county judge and the chief executive officer of Williamson County, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter because of pending litigation.

Q. What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Conklin: I am not a professional politician. I’m just a neighbor and a citizen who believes that county government should work for all of us, not just the well-connected. I am not in the pockets of special interests. I will not accept political contributions from companies who do business with the county, and I will not use my office for my own personal enrichment or that of my family and friends. I will focus on the essential, core functions of county government. I have the support of voters who want less drama and more action from their county government.

Gravell: Experience matters. As county judge, I am the head of emergency management. In the last four years we have seen much suffering and loss. From the loss of life to the loss of property. The pain and suffering have been great. I still carry with me a list of names of some 951 people that died during COVID. We can never forget their names and the suffering that occurred in our community. If re-elected, I will use every tool at my disposal to protect life and property.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Williamson County judge race pits Bill Gravell against Blane Conklin