Bert Cobb is seeking re-election as Hays County judge after holding the position since 2010. His challenger in the upcoming election is San Marcos resident Abel Velasquez. Early voting for this race and others in the cities of Buda and San Marcos as well as Hays County takes place Oct. 20–Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4. For more information about voting times and locations, look for the Election Guide in the next issue of Community Impact Newspaper, out on Oct. 16.

Why are you running?

Cobb: [I am running] to complete the many improvement projects that are underway but not completed.

Velasquez: I'm running because it is time we begin transitioning from the ideals of the baby boomer generation to the next generation of public servants. Our generation has been at the helm of change in our society since the '60s, and with the majority of us nearing retirement, it's time to step aside. I want to be in a position to influence the next generation's idea of what it means to be a public servant and to instill in them a sense of honor and integrity and provide them with values and principles to guide them throughout their careers and in the decision-making process.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the county?

Cobb: [The greatest challenge facing the county is the] drought [that is] concurrent with tremendous growth.

Velasquez: The development of leaders for tomorrow's concerns. Citizens of Hays County, we have a pool of about 35,000 potential leaders at Texas State University studying in various subjects such as political science, human resources, accounting, criminal justice, etc. Each of these subjects is critical to the administrative infrastructure of county government. Future leaders should be cognizant of the services demanded of a public servant.

With Hays County having grown at a rate of 12 percent in the past three years, what can be done to ensure that growth continues in a healthy, responsible way?

Cobb: [Building] intelligent infrastructure, well-planned with growth in mind [can ensure positive growth].

Velasquez: What I would recommend is that we limit or set a moratorium on development until we can ensure there is an adequate supply of water available to sustain current and future development. We are presently in Stage 4 water restrictions, and this is not the time to develop new neighborhoods of 2,400 homes in south Hays County or 700 additional homes in northern Hays County.

What can the county do to ensure it has a secure water future?

Cobb: [To ensure a secure water future, we can] be part of a regional plan that stabilizes conservation, distribution and price.

Velasquez: It's time to push the limits of our imagination beyond today and tomorrow's water concerns and really plan for the future. Our current elected officials should be working with local, state and federal officials to pump water from the Gulf of Mexico to Central and [West] Texas. Desalination is the way of securing an unlimited water supply for the future, and this method will allow for our aquifers to recharge gradually over time. It can happen; be bold, and think outside the box.