Registered voters living in Precinct 2, which includes much of Cedar Park and Leander as well as the western portion of Georgetown, will be able to vote in this race.
Early voting runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 4.
Read Q&As with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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.
*Incumbent
Cynthia Long* (R)
Experience:
IT and management experience in the private and public sector; deep roots and ties to the community; and proven results in doing the job
Occupation:
county commissioner
Candidate Website:
https://cynthialong.com/
Contact Information:
512-258-8875
Why are you running for Williamson County Commissioners Court?
Volunteering in and serving the community has been one of my highest honors. I love this country and our county. Like you, I want Williamson County to continue to be the place where people want to live and raise their family. In these times, we need proven leaders who will stand up and fight for our values of family and country. I am running to continue to fight for you.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
I will keep our county safe by fully funding and well-equipping law enforcement and public safety personnel. Keep our taxes in check. Improve and maintain the roadway system in the county. Recruit quality businesses to the area, creating jobs for our citizens. Achieving these goals will determine whether or not our children inherit a family- and business-friendly Williamson County where they want to stay and raise families of their own.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Williamson County, and how would you work to address them?
Others have found out what we know: Williamson County is a great place to live. Balancing the demands of a growing county, fully funding public safety, valuing family and community, continuing to safely improve and expand our road system, [and] keeping our county taxes in check will continue to be our challenges and my focus as your county commissioner.
Brigid Lester (D)
Experience:
I am continuing a life of selfless service in our military and public sector. Serving as commander, project manager, civil engineer, contract negotiator
Occupation:
retired lieutenant colonel, Army
Candidate Website:
https://betterwithbrigid.com
Why are you running for Williamson County Commissioners Court?
I am running to make WilCo safer. Our sheriff’s department is defunded to the point that they are at risk. Existing county roads are unsafe and are neglected in favor of new roads. The Trinity Aquifer is being drained at an alarming rate, and we are at risk of running out of water. The first cities that will be affected the most severely are in my district: Liberty Hill, Cedar Park and Leander.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
I support the immediate institution of a Groundwater Conservation District in WilCo. We need water controls to protect our citizens. Wells are going dry daily. I want our sheriff’s department to have the best training, manning, equipment and salaries. They deserve a living wage so our first responders can live where they work. I will reduce the tax abatements offered to new businesses. That tax burden is being unfairly pushed on to our existing citizens.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Williamson County, and how would you work to address them?
WilCo is growing, and that is a good thing, but the commissioners need to help it grow gracefully. It will do no good to have the community population explode in an unsustainable way. The county needs to stop planning in a vacuum. They implement the powers of eminent domain without consulting the citizens. Large roads are sited without compassion for the existing homes and ranches. EMS needs to be staffed up before growth, not after.
