Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Lengthy, a Republican, is searching for her fifth time period in Precinct 2 towards Democratic challenger Brigid Lester.
Lengthy, 60, was first elected in 2007. Her earlier expertise consists of beginning and operating an IT consulting agency that included worldwide purchasers in manufacturing, automotive and air Transport. Lengthy received the Republican major in March towards JT Cox by 1,258 votes. Lengthy holds a bachelor’s diploma in enterprise analytics from Texas A&M College.
Lester, 64, is a retired Military lieutenant colonel and has labored as a challenge supervisor, functions engineer and director a export compliance professional. She had no opposition within the March major. Lester holds a bachelor’s diploma in nuclear physics from the USA Navy Academy at West Level and a grasp’s diploma in administration from Webster College in Missouri.
After:Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Lengthy takes on challenger JT Cox in Republican major
Precinct 2 consists of Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill, in addition to Anderson Mill and a part of the town of Austin, and a big unincorporated portion of western Williamson County extending to the Burnet County line.
Commissioners serve a four-year time period. Each candidates answered a sequence of questions on their campaigns.
Q: What are you listening to from voters about crucial points going through the county?
Lester: Safety and managed progress are the 2 most necessary points. First, safety is demonstrated by sufficient funding for our first responders. Present funding charges go away them understaffed and with lower than optimum coaching and tools. Second, maybe essentially the most existential menace we face is the supply of water. Williamson County doesn’t have ample controls over groundwater use. Wells are drying up, livestock and agriculture are dying, that is important. In Liberty Hill, the roads haven’t any heart line, have giant potholes, and are too slim for a faculty bus to drive safely. Current roads needs to be improved and new roads needs to be cited with suggestions from landowners/residents in order that they meet their wants
Lengthy: Inflation, border safety and public security. Persons are offended with Washington and the route our nation goes proper now. Their considerations are why I led the cost on rising the residential property exemption, reducing the county property tax fee to scale back the tax burden on households. I additionally voted to extend the salaries of corrections officers, legislation enforcement officers and emergency medical providers over the previous 4 years by 51%, 31% and 23%, respectively. I’ve all the time supported and can all the time assist the courageous women and men who put their lives on the road to guard us and preserve us protected.
Q: What are your targets is elected?
Lester: I need to restore honorable illustration in Precinct 2. The licensee is essentially funded by contractors and builders and its selections mirror this precedence. I’m engaged in one thing larger than myself, and have been all my life. I might be obtainable, I’ll pay attention, I’ll plead, in brief, I’ll actually serve.
Lengthy: I’ll preserve our county protected by absolutely funding and effectively equipping legislation enforcement and public security personnel. Maintain our taxes beneath management. Enhance and preserve the street community, together with departmental roads. Recruit high quality companies within the area, creating jobs for our residents. Reaching these targets will decide whether or not or not our youngsters will inherit a family- and business-friendly Williamson County the place they may need to keep and lift their very own households.
Q: Do you suppose the Accomplice statue on the county courthouse grounds needs to be moved?
Lester: As a 24-year veteran, I used to be sworn to uphold and defend the USA Structure. The Confederation took up arms towards the Structure to destroy our Union. I do not assist the destruction of the statue, however I additionally do not suppose the courthouse grounds are the suitable place to current this story. I might encourage the historic society to maintain this statue and the story in a museum.
Lengthy: When the county is being sued, authorized counsel suggested us to not touch upon the matter. As is the case right here, I can’t remark.
Q: What makes you one of the best candidate for the job?
Lester: Integrity and motivation. My motive is to serve the residents of Williamson County, interval. I am not right here for private acquire. I’ve already introduced that I might be donating a big portion of my wage to Wilco non-profit organizations. I’ve actual management expertise in essentially the most demanding setting – fight.
Lengthy: I’m a confirmed, fiscally conservative chief who values religion, household and freedom. I’ve the work expertise within the discipline and the academic background for this job. I stored my guarantees to manage taxes, adequately fund public security, and enhance and increase our freeway system. Residents journey on efficiently accomplished tasks day by day. Voters have a option to consider the false narratives unfold by my opponent and go the way in which of Austin and Washington or assist protect the Williamson County we love.