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Incumbent Commissioner Wanda Watson, D, will face challenger Peter Michelena, R, in the race to represent Precinct 4 in Brazos County on Nov. 3.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit the Brazos County Elections Administration's website. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 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.
Why are you running for commissioner?
I am running because veterans and residents I have worked alongside raised concerns about how our county government is being run. Public service has shaped my life since I joined the Marine Corps. I want to bring that same sense of duty, accountability, and commitment to serving Brazos County residents.
What challenges does Brazos County face?
Brazos County is growing quickly, and that growth is putting real pressure on our roads, drainage, public safety, healthcare access, and local communities. The challenge is keeping up without placing an unfair burden on taxpayers. We need to plan ahead, spend carefully, and make county contracts and incentives more transparent.
What projects are most important for the county to focus on?
My goal is to ensure county projects benefit the community. That means improving roads, expanding affordable housing, and preparing wisely for future growth. We need a practical 10-year master plan that guides investment, limits the burden on our county, and keeps county spending financially responsible.
How should the county balance accommodating growth with residents' concerns about roads, drainage, development and the cost of providing services?
I believe Growth should pay for Growth. When new development adds pressure to our roads, drainage, and county services, existing residents should not be left carrying the full cost. We need honest long-term planning, stronger contract oversight, and performance-based incentives with clawbacks that protect taxpayers and account for future maintenance.
Transportation was identified as a major barrier for residents getting to medical appointments, especially in rural parts of the county. What should the county be doing to improve access to medical transportation?
I believe no one should miss a medical appointment because they cannot get there. The county should expand reliable rural ride options while also bringing care closer through mobile health clinics and telehealth support. Working with Brazos Transit, healthcare providers, and community organizations can create a system residents depend on.
Why are you running for commissioner
I am running for reelection for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 4. It has been an honor to serve, and to advocate for the residents. I am committed to providing responsive public service through collaboration to improve the quality of, strive for, to advance equality of opportunity and promote fairness for
What challenges does Brazos County face?
Population growth and development, concerns about water resources, transportation and traffic congestion are some of the challenges that the county and both cities face.
What projects are most important for the county to focus on?
Strategically, the county is on the right trajectory with the infrasture projects that are in progress. The county should focus on the need for new roads because of traffic congestion, economic diversification to create more jobs and water security.
How should the county balance accommodating growth with residents' concerns about roads, drainage, development and the cost of providing services?
To address residents’ concerns, the county will need to create a plan that allows for population and economic growth (jobs), work with the local governmental entities to plan for that projected growth and to make decisions based on long-term fiscal sustainability rather than short term expansion.
Transportation was identified as a major barrier for residents getting to medical appointments, especially in rural parts of the county. What should the county be doing to improve access to medical transportation?
Within BCS and the county, transportation to medical care is being handled through the Brazos County transit System. For those in the rural areas, the United Way provides that service by using rideshare services such as Lyft or Uber. Lack awareness of what’s available may be a barrier.
