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Editor's note: Candidate Besa Martin's responses were received and added to the questionnaire after the initial publication of this article.
Three candidates are running for the Kendall County judge seat in the Republican primary election.
The overview
Incumbent Shane Stolarczyk, Ricky Gleason and Besa Martin are running against each other for the Republican nomination in the November election.
Since no Democratic candidate ran for judge, the winner of the Republican primary will run uncontested in November, unless no candidate secures a majority vote, which would then prompt a runoff.
Candidates were asked to keep their responses under 50 words, answer the provided questions, and avoid attacking their opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* indicates incumbent candidate
Rancher, Business Attorney, Community Bank Director 9 years, Governor Abbott Appointee Texas Real Estate Center
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because Kendall County is my home and want to protect our heritage. Our water, our property rights, our conservative values matter. County government should listen to residents, spend wisely and plan responsibly. I’m offering to serve, work full-time and put Kendall County first.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities are protecting our water resources for families who live here now while planning responsibly for future needs. I’ll cut excess spending, especially unnecessary litigation, review new expenses and audit new positions for cost efficiency. I’ll also strengthen communication with Texas Department of Transportation and Boerne to advance …
How do you plan on involving residents in the decision-making process?
We have many wise, experienced people in Kendall County. I’ll bring residents in by listening to their ideas early, not after decisions are made. I’ll provide clear timely information so people are aware. Good government starts with informed citizens and open conversation, not closed doors or last minute announcements.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Kendall County over the next 4 years?
The greatest challenge is water, planning wisely and managing growth so new development doesn’t outpace our supply. We must work with neighboring counties in the Priority Groundwater Management Area to protect our Hill Country and secure strong support from the State of Texas.
Current Kendall County Judge, Military Officer, Military Prosecutor, Small Business Owner
Why are you running for office?
I am running to continue the change I’ve delivered over the past three years—being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and cutting waste. Taxpayers aren’t an ATM for local government. I’ll continue to focus on infrastructure, including the Herff/46 intersection, water strategies like ASR and stronger disaster preparedness.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
I want to work with the Legislature to secure county funding for roads and infrastructure, pursue alternative solutions to recharge our aquifer and address water shortages, continue to cut waste and lower taxes, create a 10-year strategic plan, implement a countywide fire plan and strengthen emergency management.
How do you plan on involving residents in the decision-making process?
I promote resident involvement through volunteer county committees, specifically the Fire Coalition, Proposition A Committee, Capital Improvement Plan (proposed), and Dark Skies Initiative, ensuring residents stay informed and actively engaged in county decision-making. As always, I encourage citizens to reach out and express any concerns they may have.
Planning and Zoning Committee, on multiple non-profit boards, business consulting and exit strategy, Financial Planner
Why are you running for office?
Because the people of Kendall County deserve a County Judge who works for them, not against them. I’m running to restore trust, transparency, and common-sense leadership at the courthouse, listen to citizens, respect taxpayers, and ensure county government is responsive, accountable, and focused on serving the people it represents.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities are restoring transparency and accountability, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, improving communication between county government and residents, protecting property rights, and ensuring Kendall County grows in a way that preserves our values, public safety and quality of life for current and future generations.
How do you plan on involving residents in the decision-making process?
By actively listening and engaging with residents directly. Whether it be in a boardroom or over coffee, I will encourage regular communication, welcome public input and value feedback from across the county. Decisions should be informed by the people they affect, with leadership that is willing to listen, learn and …
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Kendall County over the next 4 years?
The greatest challenge facing Kendall County is managing rapid growth while protecting taxpayers. We must expand infrastructure, transportation, water resources, and emergency services responsibly, without raising taxes, by planning ahead, cutting waste and ensuring growth pays for itself rather than burdening residents.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Kendall County over the next 4 years?
The greatest challenge is managing rapid growth while protecting Kendall County’s character. We must balance continued progress with infrastructure, public safety and property rights, ensuring growth is responsible, fiscally sound, and guided by residents, not special interests, so our quality of life and local values are preserved.