Community Impact reached out to the two candidates who will be on the ballot for the seat. The incumbent, Mel Hamner, is not running for re-election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
More information on what will be on the Bastrop ballot in the Nov. 5 election can be found at www.bastropvotes.org.
Butch Carmack
Experience:
Bastrop County WCID#2 board member, experience with Bastrop County budgets, employee management and infrastructure
Occupation:
Retail management
Candidate Website:
https://www.butch4bastropcounty.com
Contact Information:
512-470-6412
Why are you running?
I decided to run two years ago when our current commissioner decided he was going to retire. I want to keep Bastrop's small-town friendly values that have made Bastrop the greatest place to live.
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it?
The most important issue facing our residents is simple, taxes! Owning a small business here for over 20 years, I know how to keep costs down and work on a very tight budget. I intend to keep a keen eye on spending because we don't need higher taxes!
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
The out of control growth is a major concern of mine. Central Texas is running out of water. If we don't fight to slow this mass growth down, we're going to be out of water like other communities are facing right now.
If elected, what would be your Top 3 priorities?
Being in business here for so long has given me the chance to make so many friendships that there are too many to count. I really only have one priority ... The People!
Joseph B. Thompson
Experience:
Advocate for underserved communities, U.S. Marine veteran, public education advocate, 7th generation Bastropian, husband, father
Occupation:
Nonprofit executive
Candidate Website:
https://www.josephforbastropcounty.com
Contact Information:
512-308-7052
Why are you running?
I decided to run for county commissioner of Precinct 1 because as an advocate for underserved communities, Bastrop County is lacking critical resources and access to services. As a commissioner, I want to bring the critical needs of the people to the court to help us become a community where we all are thriving.
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it?
There are many important issues facing the residents of Bastrop County, but if I had to pick just one I would choose access to healthcare. To thrive, we have to be a healthy community, and to be a healthy community, we have to have adequate access to healthcare.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
If elected, I plan to address future growth by being future-focused and proactive to the growth. We know that growth is no longer coming, it is here, and it is important for us as a county to think about the critical resources that will be essential as we grow.
If elected, what would be your Top 3 priorities?
If elected, my top three priorities will be healthcare access, job growth, and critical infrastructure which includes public transportation, public safety, emergency medical services, parks and recreational amenities, and educational resources. These are priorities that as an advocate I work to improve in our communities each day.
