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Three Republican candidates have filed for the Precinct 2 Comal County commissioner position, set to compete in the March 3 primaries.
Candidates include retired service member Steven Rollins, rancher John Stratemann and New Braunfels ISD board Secretary Steve Minus.
No Democratic candidates filed for Precinct 2 county commissioner.
More details
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Why are you running for office?
Comal County is my home. My wife and I have raised a family and built businesses in Precinct 2 over the last 20 years. I have served amongst the county's finest organizations with the best people. I pledge to serve them as the front-line, most available advocate for their needs.
How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Ensuring that public communication is clear, concise and reliable. Monitoring deployed flood gauges and sensory tools along our rivers and our major watersheds/dams must provide real time date to ESD managers. Technology must work in connection with the physical alerts needed if an emergency is severe.
How will you ensure your constituents can receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
We must identify immediate needs and realize damage through local boots on the ground. Aligned through our high-performing ESDs and local entities lending a hand, county leadership will command a force for good in times of need. Communication must remain clear, available and reliable.
If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the city and state continue to grow?
Seek facts for Precinct 2. I love this precious hill country land I live upon and will fight for conservation education, stand against inappropriate development and help codify requirements for potential development through developing relationships with our state representatives in order to serve the goals of Comal County.
Retired Navy, property manager
Why are you running for office?
I was asked to run by friends and family who understand what I have accomplished and what I stand for. I am motivated and humbled by the massive outpouring of those that back me and support this endeavor; I am running to make a difference in all of our lives.
How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
In my past, I have been exposed to several occasions where we've dealt with extreme weather, both in the military and the private sector. Dealing with these scenarios is about developing a good plan and a better recovery.
If elected, what would be your main priorities?
My main priorities would be based around development limitations, water acquisition and provisions, promoting self-governance and increasing transparency within county government. We also need to look at some of the deficiencies that have been left from the existing developments.
If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the city and state continue to grow?
Water is a massive topic for our environment. We need to establish partnerships with national, state and local levels to include the water companies. We absolutely must determine exactly how much we have available and try and determine the best way forward to preserve and grow this resource.
Rancher, BOD for numerous companies, outside advisor to CEO's/founder's, exceptional at finding ways to ...
Why are you running for office?
The legacy that we leave for future Comal residents will be in how we deal with our exceptional growth. I know we can manage the growth in a way that improves their future, and that starts by making every decision with increased financial scrutiny and with the taxpayer in mind.
How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
As Precinct 2 commissioner, I will prepare for extreme weather and flooding by investing in drainage and floodplain management, maintaining roads and bridges, coordinating with emergency services and other counties, and prioritizing preventive maintenance to reduce risk, protect property, and above all else, safeguard lives.
If elected, what would be your main priorities?
First, bring the taxpayer back into the Commissioners Court. Every financial decision will be highly scrutinized, with metrics explained, and ultimately must answer, “how does this benefit the taxpayer.” Public safety - our economy, quality of life, etc, all begin with feeling safe. Infrastructure - maintenance/improvement for all of Comal County.
If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the city and state continue to grow?
I will ensure adequate water by requiring proof of long-term supply for new development, coordinating with groundwater districts and utilities, protecting recharge areas, supporting conservation standards, and planning so growth matches sustainability. Ultimately, new ideas and the courage to implement them will have to happen and I will do that.