Election Q&A: Hear from Williamson County Precinct 4 commissioner candidates Russ Boles, Jose Orta

Why are you running for Williamson County Commissioners Court?

Williamson County is a special place for me. It’s where I grew up, where I chose to start my business and where I chose to raise my family. I’m the proud father of two teenage daughters, Meg and Reese, and married to my amazing wife, Kathy. Public service is my way of paying it forward and saying thank you to those who came before me setting the foundation for a great community.

If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?

Public safety is one of my top priorities, especially in the era where Austin has defunded their police. Without safe neighborhoods, there is no quality of life. Transportation and mobility are also key. I believe parents should have dinner with their kids, not [be] stuck in traffic. Keeping WilCo affordable [is possible] by lowering county taxes and bringing in good paying jobs with companies like Samsung.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Williamson County, and how would you work to address them?

When Austin defunded police, our region saw crime and brutality spread into places like Williamson County. We need safe schools and safe places to live and work. We achieve this by funding public safety and supporting our first responders. We need to ensure good employment opportunities for our kids and neighbors while making sure we manage resources like water. I’ll work with cities and developers to ensure responsible development.

Why are you running for Williamson County Commissioners Court?

As a disabled Air Force veteran, I believe in community service. I have been serving east WilCo for 30-plus years. The biggest decisions that impact our lives are not made in Washington, D.C., but in our local county offices. Residents deserve a public servant—a commissioner who will respond to his constituents. As county commissioners, we work for the residents of Williamson County. I want to work for you, not the developers.

If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?

County government is charged with core functions, like building, maintaining, and fixing our roads and bridges, [and] providing for our safety and public health. These are things we need a county commissioner to focus on. You deserve a commissioner who will show up and work for you. You deserve a public servant—a commissioner who responds, who will advocate for you and shows up to be your voice. I want to be that voice.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Williamson County, and how would you work to address them?

Our greatest challenge will be managing explosive growth. This unprecedented growth will impact and put a strain on our roads, security and health infrastructure. We need a commissioner who will protect the residents of east Williamson County, not the developers. I have a long history of working to make sure we protect communities that are marginalized and underserved. I will bring integrity, ethics and equity back to county government. I want to work for you.