A total of five candidates are vying for the chance to fill the seat he is vacating on the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court. Dustin Engelke, Jacqueline “Jackie” Ott, James B. Ransdell, Clint Taft and Bryan Underwood are seeking the Republican nomination in the March Primary.
Precinct 1 covers the central and southeastern portion of the county, including Seguin, and stretches up through McQueeney and into New Braunfels along FM 725 to County Line Road.
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.
Community Impact is only asking candidates in contested Republican or Democratic primaries to answer questionnaires.
Dustin Engelke
Experience:
manage multimillion dollar accounts, troubleshooting customer and environmental issues, manage budgets, provide infrastructure, optimize inefficiencies
Occupation:
Accounts Manager and Optimization Specialist
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551355704442&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Contact Information:
830-305-0045
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
In the face of growth, we cannot overlook the importance of public safety. From modernizing equipment to improving training programs, let’s stand together in support of those who dedicate their lives to our well-being. Investing and building infrastructure to support growth is crucial for our county.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
Being involved in the community is crucial to building and fostering relationships within the community and understanding the needs of our county. My family and I are active members of a multitude of organizations within our community.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
Efficient allocation of taxpayers’ money, advocate for safe transportation and roadways, conserve and protect our natural resources, responsible economic growth, public safety, supporting law enforcement and first responders
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
I am not a politician, have never ran for public office and am eager to place a fresh set of eyes on county government. My vision for the future of Precinct 1 is centered around unwavering support for our law enforcement, economic growth and preparations for generations to come.
Jackie Ott
Experience:
Property, real estate, and business law attorney, former assistant Guadalupe County attorney, extensive community involvement
Occupation:
Attorney and judge
Candidate Website:
http://www.ott4texas.com
Contact Information:
830-444-0388
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Public safety! With dedicated, hard work. We must prioritize funding to enable law enforcement and first responders to do their jobs effectively, and quality roads for everyone's efficient transport. Swift response to issues that arise, open communication with the public, county departments, and staying up to date with available technology.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
Remaining active with community groups, respecting the unique makeup of each town within the constituency, making myself continually available and open minded for discussion. Holding firm to a position that represents the needs of the people. Remaining educated on current events and effective financial management.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
Fiscal responsibility, education, and well-maintained roads and infrastructure. Smart, prepared financial decisions, support of teachers, parents, and students for high academic achievement, and use of tax dollars for what constituents need the most for daily life and emergency situations.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
I have unique, directly on-point experience for a county commissioner. Through years as an attorney for Guadalupe County, I am already familiar with its departments' functions and needs. I am deeply invested in our community's prosperity as a Christian, mother and business owner. Please follow my Facebook campaign!
James B Ransdell
Experience:
30 years large civil engineering projects, 9 years with Guadalupe County Road & Bridge Department
Occupation:
Retired
Candidate Website:
http://www.ransdellpct1.com
Contact Information:
210-764-9553
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Guadalupe County residents face a crucial challenge in our rapid growth. To address this, I'm committed to enhancing roadways, public safety and EMS services as part of my dedication to serving our community's needs.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
Covering a vast expanse, Precinct 1 includes sections of New Braunfels, Kingsbury and Seguin. As a dedicated full-time commissioner, I commit to daily availability, prioritizing the welfare of Precinct 1, and ensuring its residents receive continuous support and benefits under my watchful eye.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
My secondary focus lies in managing the county budget, a pivotal factor influencing property taxes. I am committed to diligently avoiding any rise in the county tax rate. With a burgeoning population and increased housing construction, I aim to leverage additional revenue streams to balance the costs of expanding services.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
With over 40 years of marital bliss and raising seven children, my roles as a church Deacon, Texas Ramp Project team member, food bank distribution team contributor, and Seguin ISD School Health Advisory Council participant have honed my teamwork skills, showcasing a profound dedication to serving our community.
Clint Taft
Experience:
Small-business owner for 25 years, former corporate mid-level manager for 22 years
Occupation:
Manufacturing business owner
Candidate Website:
http://www.clinttaft.com
Contact Information:
210-326-8471
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
The most important issue facing residents is our infrastructure not keeping up with growth. Our roads are in the worst shape that I have seen in my lifetime. Well-maintained roads are essential to attract businesses and provide emergency services. One of my priorities will be to lead road improvement initiatives.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
I will be a responsive and approachable commissioner. I am an active listener—listening more than I speak. I will take all citizen concerns seriously. I plan to hold monthly evening gatherings to share county updates, news and plans as well as hear concerns and receive feedback.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
Our rapid growth must be properly managed to preserve our quality of life. Our law enforcement and first responders must be supported and adequately funded to ensure public safety. Our tax rate needs to be kept low. Fiscal waste should be identified in the county budget and eliminated.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
I will advocate for agriculture and small business while protecting the environment. The explosive growth we’ve experienced has exposed issues that need attention and improvement. As a fifth-generation resident of Guadalupe County, I love our way of life and intend to pass on a better county to the next generation.
Bryan Underwood
Experience:
23 years as a licensed general contractor, renovations of historic buildings throughout downtown Seguin, farmer
Occupation:
Owner, Underwood Farms; owner, Underwood Arms Training; general contractor
Candidate Website:
http://www.underwoodforpct1.com
Contact Information:
830-305-2867
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Unprecedented growth in our county is straining our services. I am anxiously looking forward to going to work on the first day to guide improvements on our existing roads, water/wastewater service, sheriff's department/emergency management while planning for our future. Efficiency with spending is a top priority.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
Growth has vastly differing viewpoints. Some want no growth at all; others want growth at any cost. Quality growth will allow us to prosper without being over developed. Proper planning will allow us to retain some of our heritage as an agricultural-based community.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
Guadalupe has experienced flooding in the past. It is our duty to improve drainage and not make it worse due to poor planning. Our sheriff’s department is understaffed, according to density reports. We should work to attract high-paying employers to our area.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
I would like to see Guadalupe County continue to be home for our children and grandchildren. They will need opportunities for their livelihood. Rapid, unchecked growth can be detrimental. Let’s be smart. Well-planned, quality growth should be our future. Your vote will help.
