Zooming in
Community Impact reached out to the two candidates who will be on the ballot for the seat. The incumbent, Gary Cutler, began his term in 2020 and 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.
More information on what will be on the Hays County ballot in the Nov. 5 general election can be found at www.hayscountytx.gov/elections.
Anthony Hipolito
Experience:
26 years of law enforcement, 23 of those years at the Austin Police Department
Occupation:
Deputy, Hays County Sheriff's Office
Candidate Website:
https://www.hipolitoforsheriff.com/
Contact Information:
512-761-7192
Why are you running?
I’m running for Sheriff because I have grown up respecting law enforcement, have deep roots in Hays County, and am dedicated to serving both our community and the employees of the Hays County Sheriff's Office. I believe my commitment and experience make me the right choice for this role.
What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue is maintaining public safety amid the fentanyl crisis and ensuring school security. I will focus on enhancing community policing, improving response strategies, and increasing educational efforts to combat drug abuse. By prioritizing these areas, we can create a safer environment for all residents.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
If elected, I will develop 5- and 10-year plans to address future growth by expanding resources, enhancing training, and integrating advanced technology. Collaborating closely with Hays County Commissioners, we'll ensure scalable staffing and infrastructure improvements, while proactively engaging the community to manage and adapt to the growing population effectively.
If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?
If elected, my top three priorities will be: enhancing employee retention and recruitment to build a strong team, ensuring overall public safety through community-focused initiatives, and developing a robust school resource officer program to have a presence in every school across the county, safeguarding our children effectively.
Alex Villalobos
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to question regarding experience or current occupation before publication.
Candidate Website:
https://www.alexforsheriff.com/
Why are you running?
My training and experience have prepared me to lead the Hays County Sheriff's Department in 21st-century policing. Hays County has transitioned into an urban county, and we must have leadership that has the education, training, and experience necessary to lead the organization as a true administrator who understands how to use data, policy, and strategic planning.
What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it?
Increased growth and ensuring the Hays County Sheriff's Department can meet the county's demands in its traditional roles, support its role as a regional law enforcement partner, and build strong relationships with all areas.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Future growth requires an understanding of the growth, as administrator my experience as a former elected city member of the City of Kyle and my current role as the Hays County Chief of Staff provide a unique opportunity to identify targets of opportunity for advocacy for the Sheriff Department to meet the needs shared the commissioner's court and the citizens of Hays County. Infrastructure expansion, economic development, residential development, and demographic changes.
If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?
Build trust with the community, build a robust recruitment and retention plan for the Hays County Sheriff's Department, school safety, reduce crime through community engagement, and build a 5-year strategic plan that modernizes the sheriff's department to be able to respond to our fast-changing community.
