Susan Fletcher, Mark Reid talk backgrounds, Precinct 1 priorities
Susan Fletcher and Mark Reid will face off in the Republican primary runoff election for the Collin County Precinct 1 commissioner seat. Early voting is May 19–23, and election day is May 27.
Mark Reid
Why do you want to serve as Precinct 1 Commissioner?
"I am currently honored to serve as the Precinct 1 commissioner. Collin County is the fastest-growing county in the state. This growth brings tremendous opportunities and challenges. Yet, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the state along with award-winning county services. This is the result of fiscally responsible leadership that looks out for the hard-working taxpayers of Collin County. As a businessman I want to apply my common-sense, executive-level business experience, to the business of running the county. In doing so I want to build on recent conservative reforms that will maintain our low tax rate, provide career opportunities for our employees, and most importantly continue to provide the outstanding county services that the citizens of Collin County deserve now and for decades to come."
What in your background qualifies you for the position?
"The commissioner's office is an executive-level position responsible for a $280 million county budget, and for the policies that determine the quality of county services and the taxes that the county collects to pay for these services. This is precisely what I have been doing for the last three decades as president and CEO of a successful, multimillion dollar company I founded.
Additionally, I have extensive volunteer leadership experience in community, church, university, professional and political organizations. Beginning in college, I've both volunteered and led dozens of boards, committees and organizations. This experience gives me the background needed to form collaborative efforts and build consensus around solutions that are necessary in public policy discussions."
What would your top priorities be as commissioner?
"I am absolutely dedicated to keeping taxes low and building on the fiscally conservative reforms enacted by the court over the last several years. To do this, I will focus on the core functions of county government, working with other elected officials and department heads to continually craft ways to do things better, faster and smarter.
I am currently applying my private-sector experience to review our performance compensation strategy in an effort to improve the county's compensation system. Performance compensation is very complex, and it must protect the interests of hard-working taxpayers while motivating employees to excel in their jobs. Beyond this I want to work with local and state elected officials to find solutions for Collin County's growing water and transportation infrastructure needs."
Susan Fletcher
Why do you want to serve as Precinct 1 commissioner?
"One word: passion. I am passionate about my community, passionate about my principles and passionate about ensuring our county government is being managed in a conservative fashion, as well as in a way that will allow us to grow responsibly and be successful. Ronald Reagan famously said, 'If not us, who? If not now, when?' Politicians at every level of government seem to have forgotten that each dollar spent comes from the pockets of the hard-working citizens earning their paycheck, and they deserve good, responsible government. I have been hearing time and time again from the voters of Precinct 1 that they want their voices heard, and they are eagerly awaiting their chance to go to the polls."
What in your background qualifies you for the position?
"I earned my bachelor of fine arts in interior design/industrial technology from the University of North Texas in 1989 and was employed as a corporate space planner in the banking industry prior to starting my own company and working freelance in commercial interior construction and corporate facilities. I currently chair the Collin County Health Care Advisory Board, which advises the court on our state-mandated indigent health care, a core function of county government. In addition, Gov. [Rick] Perry has appointed me to serve on a state board which regulates the Certified Public Accounting business industry in Texas. I believe my professional business background as well as my extensive political background spanning over 20 years serving in leadership positions will provide a great foundation for me to serve as commissioner."
What would your top priorities be as commissioner?
"My priorities are to make government more transparent, efficient and accountable. I have run on a platform of keeping our tax rate low while promoting economic development, infrastructure and public safety. Ultimately leadership means making tough decisions, and [I] will be an independent, conservative voice on the court with an open-door policy. I will also be a full-time commissioner, accessible and available to my constituents, because the citizens of Collin County need to know that they have a voice—and that their voice matters. I will make it a priority to do what is right, not merely what is popular, what is easy or what will get me re-elected."
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