Texas will hold Republican and Democratic primaries March 5 to determine who will be on the ballot in November.
Community Impact reached out to the three 2024 Republican candidates for the Bastrop Precinct 1 Commissioner. 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.
Butch Carmack
Experience:
I'm serving my second four-year term on the Bastrop County WCID#2 Board of Directors
Occupation:
Retail management
Contact Information:
512-470-6412
In what ways do you believe you are a good fit for the position of Precinct 1 commissioner?
After serving on the Board of the WCID#2, I am the only candidate that has 6 years experience in county budgeting including roads, employees, infrastructure and setting tax rates in the form of annual road fees and water rates.
If elected, what would be the biggest focus of your term?
100% continuing to serve our community and working hard to keep our small town values. We live in the best community ever, where everyone meeting you on the sidewalk says "hello, how are ya". I'm going to work hard to keep our town the friendliest in Texas.
Growth is a big issue in Precinct 1. How do you intend to address development as commissioner?
There was a bill that was introduced last session that would have given the county commissioners the ability to regulate population density. Our current county commissioners unanimously supported this bill. I plan on trying to help get this bill onto the House floor for a vote.
As the commissioner of Precinct 1, there will be the need to work with big businesses within the county. How do you plan to approach this as commissioner?
I work with big business every day. I'm very customer service oriented, so working with big business is nothing new for me. BUT! My priority is to the people first, everything else comes after that.
Do you intend to partner with the city of Bastrop throughout your term? If so, how?
I intend to work cooperatively with the city and other commissioner who represents a portion of the city. Under Texas law, cities and counties have different limitations on what they can do, so I plan on working closely for the best outcome for the people that live in both jurisdictions.
A rise in property value is a concern of many living in Bastrop County. How will you help address these concerns during your term if elected?
The big hit for all of our residents and businesses is climbing property taxes. I plan on keeping a sharp eye on county spending so that we can keep our tax rate in check. I will not raise our tax rate, the rising home values are taking care of that.
In your opinion, what is the importance of road work projects in Bastrop County’s Precinct 1?
Road projects are a major part of the job. Already having experience in this, I know I have only a certain amount of money to spend every year and I'll prioritize what roads need the most attention.
C. "Dominica" McGinnis
Experience:
Army Captain (former), large organization leadership, strategic planning, emergency management, law enforcement, small business owner
Occupation:
CEO — BridgeField Group
Candidate Website:
https://www.dominicaforcommissioner.com
Contact Information:
512-838-3078
In what ways do you believe you are a good fit for the position of Precinct 1 commissioner?
A 21-year County resident, I have the vision to keep what we love about our community while anticipating, planning, budgeting, and developing infrastructure for intelligent growth. A business owner and former Army Captain, I bring leadership skills (beyond roads and bridges), experience, and interpersonal skills to serve as we grow.
If elected, what would be the biggest focus of your term?
As Commissioner the biggest focus of my term would be strategically planning for and addressing the challenges that Bastrop’s rapid growth brings including addressing our critical infrastructure (aging buildings, roads, broadband, etc.), continuing to improve health and public safety, and increasing fiscal accountability and results while protecting our community feel.
Growth is a big issue in Precinct 1. How do you intend to address development as commissioner?
I intend to advocate and collaborate with state and local leaders for more input into our county’s development, to pursue grants that support our community’s needs while maintaining our lowered tax rate, and to explore a quasi-unified road system to increase efficiencies while allowing commissioners to remain responsive to residents.
As the commissioner of Precinct 1, there will be the need to work with big businesses within the county. How do you plan to approach this as commissioner?
Having led large organizations, I bring a collaborative approach to balance residents’ needs, county requirements, and company goals. Businesses bring jobs, convenience, and tax revenue, but they also bring traffic and other challenges. I’ll work with businesses to address the county’s requirements and build a community we can all enjoy.
Do you intend to partner with the city of Bastrop throughout your term? If so, how?
I have extensive experience bringing people together, gaining alignment, and driving results. Skilled leaders partner with others. It requires the ability to build relationships and trust, communicate, and find ways to collaborate that will benefit all residents. Greater intergovernmental coordination and cooperation reduces costs, increases services, and benefits everyone.
A rise in property value is a concern of many living in Bastrop County. How will you help address these concerns during your term if elected?
There’s a delicate balance between more services, better infrastructure, competitive public employees’ wages, and taxes. Everyone hates taxes. As home values rise, tax-revenue increases so I’d support the current rate or the continued downward trajectory of our tax-rate to allow for moderate growth in our revenue without overburdening the taxpayer.
In your opinion, what is the importance of road work projects in Bastrop County’s Precinct 1?
Precinct 1 is arguably the most traveled and congested area in Bastrop County. We’re resourced with strong county engineers, an experienced foreman, and a good team. Commissioners must collaborate to secure funding and prioritization for Road projects that encourage smart connectivity, public safety, continued maintenance, and ease congestion for residents.
Charles Brading
Experience:
Degree in civil engineering. Twenty-four years of experience in street and drainage construction and maintenance.
Occupation:
Engineering
In what ways do you believe you are a good fit for the position of Precinct 1 commissioner?
Bastrop is looking to see unprecedented economic growth. It’s more important than ever to have leadership and experience on the Commissioners Court. I will use my decades of experience and education in municipal government to provide the leadership needed on the Commissioners Court.
If elected, what would be the biggest focus of your term?
Work to have development move in a direction that preserves the character of Bastrop. Improve road construction techniques that extend the interval for road maintenance. Work with the school board to improve entrances and exits to our schools. Improve employee training for temporarily traffic controls in work areas
Growth is a big issue in Precinct 1. How do you intend to address development as commissioner?
Until we can change legislation, County Commissioners are limited to the authority they have over development. A bill was presented in the last session but was unsuccessful. I fully support continuing the effort to get it passed. Until then, we should provide the counties input to future developments.
As the commissioner of Precinct 1, there will be the need to work with big businesses within the county. How do you plan to approach this as commissioner?
We are fortunate to have an excellent Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development corporation in Bastrop. They are great resources. Businesses are an important part of a community. I would utilize these groups when working with large businesses.
Do you intend to partner with the city of Bastrop throughout your term? If so, how?
Part of Tahitian Village is in the city of Bastrop. As the Tahitian Village POA president I have already established relationships with the City Manager and the Mayor. We have discussed possible future projects in Tahitian Village. I have also established relationships with TXDOT , County Commissioners, LCRA and BCWD2.
A rise in property value is a concern of many living in Bastrop County. How will you help address these concerns during your term if elected?
The Commissioners Court is responsible for setting the property tax rate. Our Commissioners Court has lowered the effective tax rate for the last five years. As commissioner I would support that effort to continue to lower our tax rate while staying within our budget.
In your opinion, what is the importance of road work projects in Bastrop County’s Precinct 1?
The County Commissioner is the person who is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the roads in his precinct. As Commissioner I will meet directly with citizens to address their concerns. I will incorporate modern road building techniques that will improve a longer life for our roads.
