The details
Early voting begins Feb. 17 for March 3 primary races in Texas, including several county and state contests.
Community Impact sent each candidate a Q&A with a deadline for response to ensure equal opportunity. Answers were limited to 50 words each, and answers that came in over 50 words were cut from the end to fit.
The candidates' responses are below.
* indicates the incumbent candidate
Charlie Riley*
Occupation & Experience:
County commissioner; 13-year Precinct 2 operations manager; Magnolia ISD trustee, several past nonprofit board ...
Candidate Website:
https://www.charlieriley.org
Why are you running for office?
I am running to continue serving Precinct 2 with experienced, steady leadership. County government directly affects public safety, roads, and emergency response. I want to ensure growth is managed responsibly, law enforcement is supported, infrastructure keeps pace, and taxpayer dollars are spent carefully and efficiently.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are supporting law enforcement, maintaining and improving roads, managing growth responsibly, and protecting taxpayers. That includes funding public safety needs, completing voter-approved infrastructure projects, improving mobility and evacuation routes, and continuing a disciplined budget approach that keeps the county’s tax rate as low as possible.
What are the biggest challenges facing Precinct 2?
Rapid growth is the biggest challenge facing Precinct 2. Growth increases demands on roads, drainage, law enforcement, and emergency services. Addressing these pressures while maintaining public safety, traffic flow, and fiscal responsibility requires careful planning, experienced leadership, and long-term infrastructure investment.
How will you work with state and local entities regarding issues such as transportation and public safety?
I will continue working closely with TxDOT, regional planning organizations, law enforcement agencies, and local governments. Many transportation and public safety solutions require cooperation, shared funding, and long-term coordination to deliver projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
How can Precinct 2 prepare for incoming development and growth?
Preparation starts with planning ahead. Precinct 2 must invest in key transportation corridors, support law enforcement staffing and facilities, improve drainage, and ensure evacuation routes are reliable. Responsible budgeting, coordination with developers and state agencies, and prioritizing safety-driven projects will help manage growth effectively.
Bob Harvey
Occupation & Experience:
Executive leader with full P&L; served on eight boards of directors, including president director roles ...
Candidate Website:
https://www.bobharveyfortexas.com
Contact Information:
832-790-7442
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to bring proven strategic leadership and operational experience to public service. After decades leading complex organizations, I want to ensure sound governance, fiscal discipline, and long-term planning that responsibly moves Precinct 2 and Montgomery County forward—for residents today and future generations.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are accountability and transparency: commissioning independent financial, compliance, and ethics forensic audits, and conducting thorough contract performance reviews using respected national auditors to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and used effectively.
What are the biggest challenges facing Precinct 2?
The biggest challenges facing Precinct 2 are rising property taxes, rapid and poorly planned growth, and infrastructure struggling to keep pace. Traffic congestion, road construction prioritization, and vulnerability to natural disasters further strain public safety, mobility, and quality of life for residents.
How will you work with state and local entities regarding issues such as transportation and public safety?
I will partner closely with TxDOT and local agencies through consultative oversight to improve transportation safety and congestion. I’ll prioritize county spending to address access, bottlenecks, and hazards, while collaborating across federal, state, and local entities on a multi-county master water management plan supporting flood control, drainage, and long-term resiliency.
How can Precinct 2 prepare for incoming development and growth?
Precinct 2 must plan for growth strategically, not reactively. I support deliberate, data-driven planning that aligns infrastructure, public safety, and utilities with long-term needs. Through disciplined budgeting, independent audits, and careful evaluation of capital projects, we can ensure sustainable, cost-effective growth that protects taxpayers and maintains quality services.
