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Two candidates are running for Guadalupe County judge, including Republican incumbent Kyle Kutscher and Libertarian Party candidate Nolan Schmidt.
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election will run from Oct. 24-Nov. 4.
Read Q&As with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the question provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*Incumbent
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
Be conservative spending taxpayer dollars. In a fast-growing county, we must find a balance between being proactive and prepared for growth while being conservative spending taxpayer dollars. Support law enforcement, emergency medical services and expand fire rescue resources in Guadalupe County. Plan, design and build much-needed local and regional transportation projects while preserving rights of way as development occurs.
How would you improve transportation within Guadalupe County as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
Continue to be involved as an active policy board and executive committee member on the Alamo Area [Metropolitan Planning Organization]. Preserve and protect rights of way through major thoroughfare planning (currently under development/updating). Partner with and support our neighboring counties, cities and [the Texas Department of Transportation]. Advocate for state funding for our region.
What would you do specifically as county judge to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
As a county, we will be transparent, accessible and engaged. Information will be made available on our county website, county Facebook page, to local media outlets, print, online and radio. Surveys, questionnaires and public meetings will be utilized, and we are currently hiring for a public information officer position. I am available by phone or email, and I am more than happy to speak to any individual or group.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders to solve local problems for Guadalupe County?
I serve on the Texas Association of Counties Core Legislative Group and consistently communicate with our State Representative, State Senators and Congressman. I will work with our local, state and federal partners to advocate for our county and region. I will also serve as a resource to our partners on local matters and testify on important issues.
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
Lower taxes and make sure Guadalupe County becomes fiscally conservative and responsible; provide support for small businesses as well as provide protection for them from corrupt government departments and laws; and work with local businesses to help bring more employment opportunities for adults with special needs as well as provide resources for families of children and adults with special needs without using any fund from any type of taxation.
How would you improve transportation within Guadalupe County as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
I would like to work with those involved and responsible with construction to try to find ways to improve our roads without threats or actions involving eminent domain or raising taxes. To fund these projects, I would like to help work on finding alternative ways to fund any projects to improve our roads.
What would you do specifically as county judge to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
I would like to bring the community within Guadalupe County together and be open to any complaint to help improve our county (both socially and fiscally). I will fight against corruption from irresponsible departments and elected officials as well as [make] sure there is less spending and no tax increases. I would also like to work to incorporate alternative ways to fund projects without raising taxes.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders to solve local problems for Guadalupe County?
I would like to meet with both state and congressional leaders twice a month (either in person or virtually if need be) to discuss any local issue. This would include discussing bringing more resources for individuals with special needs (both adults and children along with their supportive families/guardians) as well as ways to fund any projects with alternative fundraising options and not relying on having to raise taxes to do so.