Texas State University professor, Laurie Brown, files as Democrat for Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 4. Brown is eager to take on her next challenge by choosing public service in the place she calls home.
“When I learned about the open seat in the commissioners precinct where I live, my interest was immediately sparked.” said Brown, “I’m always looking ahead for the next challenge, and I just want to find a way to take positive action in this disturbing political environment. So, if all politics are local, then that’s where I want to put my energy and experience to do some good.”
Brown will focus the next few months on a primary race to introduce herself to Hays County, meet as many Precinct 4 constituents as possible, listen to concerns, seek answers and solutions, and to prove she is “right for right now” for Hays County.
According to Brown, the areas of particular interest to her are managing the county budget as a practical, fiscal conservative; preparing for inevitable continued growth, analyzing transportation and traffic relief options, and most importantly, protecting natural assets, especially water resources and supplies.
“I want to see the County’s budget be transparent and responsible to taxpayers while addressing the needs of a growing populous — be it transportation, indigent healthcare as required by law, support for the courts and law enforcement or expanding our commitment to parks and open space,” she said.
After earning a Master of Accountancy at Texas State University in 2011, Brown spent several years working with Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Division in Austin. In 2014, she joined the faculty in the accounting department at the McCoy School of Business at Texas State where she lectures and spends valuable time with graduate students, helping them navigate the academic infrastructure and to prepare for successful careers. Brown will retire from Texas State in 2026.
“Laurie has been a true asset to our department and to the students,” said Former Chair of the Texas State Accounting Department, Ann Watkins. “I certainly applaud her desire to serve her community in new and important ways. Laurie definitely brings a steady hand and a measured approach to whatever she does.”
Public service is not new to Brown. She currently serves as board member and treasurer for the Leisurewoods Homeowners Association and also for Capital City Village, an Austin-area nonprofit helping seniors stay in their homes. She has traveled to Central America on a mission trip with Austin Smiles, volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, and also within the office of Legal Aid of Central Texas.
Brown lives in Leisurewoods subdivision near Buda with her partner, James Boyce, and her 10-year-old terrier mix, Eddie. Her two adult children live in Austin, and Laurie enjoys travel and cooking with family and friends.
Candidate Laurie Brown can be reached by email at [email protected], or at Laurie Brown for Hays, P. O. Box 517, Buda, TX 78610. Her campaign website LaurieBrownForHays.com will be live soon.
