Election Coverage 2018 Hays County Judge

WV: As a candidate for county judge, what do you offer the voters of Hays County?

Conley: I have a proven track record of being a leader locally and regionally who can take ideas from stakeholders and constituents and turn them into real tangible assets and programs that benefit all citizens in our County. Serving as the Precinct 3 County Commissioner and leading most of our regional organizations, I have a deep understanding of our geographic and cultural differences, and know how to embrace those and help them flourish. I am a successful small business owner, with businesses in Kyle, Wimberley, and formally San Marcos. I am formally educated with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business from Texas State University, along with thousands of hours of on the job training and continued education on local government policy.

WV: Spending and debt is a perennial issue at commissioners court meetings. How do you propose to rein in spending while accommodating the growth that Hays County is experiencing?

Conley: We made major investments in roads, emergency communications, and parks and conservation to bring Hays County into the modern era. While voter approved bond debt financed these projects, good financial planning and leveraging millions of dollar in state and federal funds has allowed us to do this while also reducing tax rates to a 20 year low, enact a tax freeze for all senior citizens, to have an accelerated reduction in debt payments, and increase the county savings to historic highs. We are running the county’s finances like you would a growing and successful business, and that is why our bond rating is the highest it has ever been. This is how we are able to maintain our quality of life while also being one of the fastest growing counties in the America.

WV: What would you say makes Hays County a good place for businesses and jobs, and how do you think we should capitalize on those factors to improve the quality of life countywide?

Conley: Hays County has a strong labor market due to the many educational institutions up and down our region as well as a talented citizenship. This combined with consistent regulatory environment, moderate taxes, and a fair cost of living help to improve the quality of life for Hays County citizens. I am proud to be one of the original founders of the Greater San Marcos Partnership. Through this organization we have developed plans and strategies on what type of job growth and future investment would best benefit all citizens of Hays County. This work has helped land thousands of new jobs in our community, giving citizens more options for their personal careers and for their families. We will continue to work on all forms of businesses and maintain an environment within our community in which businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can flourish.

WV: Water is an issue for the entire county, especially with companies like Electro Purification looking to capitalize on our underground resources and the Endangered Species Act, which helps to protect the aquifer and the San Marcos River, possibly coming into question. What would you do to help preserve, or increase, the water supplies that are important to both life and tourism in Hays County?

Conley: There are few more important issues than water and the protection of natural resources in Hays County. I have led these efforts for well over a decade and will continue to make them a top priority in my administration. I led the community’s legislative efforts to pass critical “Save Our Wells” legislation (HB 3405) to protect water wells across all “white zones” throughout the county. I have forged partnerships through grants and other jurisdictions to accelerate groundwater monitoring throughout Hays County, giving us our best opportunity to develop policy and regulate commercial water wells through science and the health of our environment. I also crafted the County Conservation plan which was put together through a stakeholder approach which incentivizes new development to make contributions towards conservation in Hays County and is the only perpetual conservation fund in the entire county.

WV: Transit and traffic concerns are spreading out from the cities in Hays County into the more rural areas as people move into the Hill Country but still need access to I-35. What steps would you like to see the county take regarding regional transportation planning to improve connectivity while protecting the environment?

Conley: I am the architect of the Hays County Transportation Plan and a proven regional transportation leader. Solution oriented leadership in constructing plans that move our County forward while protecting our character and natural resources has and will continue to be my top priority. Some of the ways in which we accomplish this is to use context sensitive design practices and encouraging natural right-of-ways that enables our natural grasses to filter and protect water supplies. I have worked to help develop citizen driven plans that meet the transportation needs of our citizens while building a team to create projects our community can be proud of for generations to come. This attention to detail and the strong relationships I have built throughout the region, including being the chair of CAMPO, will help improve safety and mobility throughout Hays County and the region while protecting our most cherished natural resources.