Q&A: Get to know Fort Bend County judge candidates Nehls, George

Why are you running/rerunning for this office, specifically?

Fort Bend County is desperately lacking leadership and a vision that will address the unique needs of Fort Bend. I will foster a Fort Bend future that brings unique solutions to the unique problems Fort Bend faces.

Given Fort Bend County’s diversity while also its fast development and growth, do you have any kind of plan in place on how to meet the diverse needs of the county?

I plan to build broad coalitions around the various issues we face whether it be development, transportation or flooding, like I did as a colonel for 33 years. Currently, there is little to no coordination on the most serious issues facing our county. I will bring them together, get their input and implement a vision that puts Fort Bend County in the best strategic position possible. Like adequate infrastructure to handle the growing population.

What do you feel are some of the county’s greatest needs, and how would you tackle those needs?

The county government is not doing enough to limit the tax burden on Fort Bend residents who are having to deal with sky-high inflation and runaway property valuations. We desperately need a county judge that understands the crime this county faces now and into the future if we don’t make a drastic change fast. Right now, the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office has over 145 vacancies and over 70 vacancies in patrol—the deputies who actually drive around…

Apart from needs, what do you feel are Fort Bend County’s greatest strengths, and how would you continue to leverage those strengths to ensure the county’s future prosperity?

Fort Bend’s greatest strengths are its diverse population that brings a diverse set of education and skill sets that make it a prime location for acquiring talent. Unfortunately, businesses face enormous hurdles from the burdensome county government that makes it hard to start and operate a business in Fort Bend County. As the next county judge, I will unleash the potential of Fort Bend County and foster a Fort Bend future.

Why are you running/rerunning for this office, specifically?

Since taking office, we have worked tirelessly to make our county government more engaging, effective, and efficient for all. We have made Fort Bend the No. 1 per capita COVID[-19] tested and vaccinated county, upgraded our emergency management response, started livestreaming all Commissioners Court meetings, invested in our infrastructure to fight congestion and flooding, finally invested in our law enforcement and supported our residents and small businesses in every way.

Given Fort Bend County’s diversity while also its fast development and growth, do you have any kind of plan in place on how to meet the diverse needs of the county?

We are so proud of Fort Bend’s diversity. When I was elected, I launched a series of listening tours throughout every corner of our county to hear your voices, opinions and community input. Since then, we have increased our commitment to transparency and engagement by, for the first time ever, livestreaming all of our meetings, using community surveys for major decisions and much more. We will continue empowering the voices of our residents…

What do you feel are some of the county’s greatest needs, and how would you tackle those needs?

Our strong growth brings challenges that we are tackling head on. Since coming into office, we have invested millions into effective transportation projects like additional roads and increased public transit. As residents of the Gulf Coast, we have also upgraded our emergency management operations by ... investing in resilient infrastructure, better technology, recruiting highly skilled staff and developed relationships to leverage in emergencies. Additionally, we have invested more resources than ever before in the sheriff’s office…