Benedict is running for election for Williamson County Commissioners Court Judge in Texas. He is on the ballot in the general election on Nov.
8. He advanced from the Libertarian Party convention on March 12.
1. Why are you running?
I was a Republican, but was disappointed taxes went up, even when Republicans were in control. I’m for reducing tax rates enough so that the check you write for your property taxes gets smaller, even when property values go up.
2. What sets you apart from the other candidate(s)?
As a Libertarian, I want to show that you can be for free markets, low taxes and probusiness, while also embracing diversity, welcoming immigrants and respecting the individual right to choose alternative lifestyles.
3. Are there concerns in the county you feel have not been addressed?
Most of the Williamson County budget pays for the criminal justice system, including sheriff’s deputy salaries, courts and jails. The Williamson County budget allocates $191 million to judicial and public safety, but only $47 million to the Roads and Bridges fund.
Let’s stop wasting resources going after peaceful marijuana users and instead focus on violent crimes and theft, leaving more for transportation or tax cuts.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue in this race?
Just like in Travis County, here in Williamson County, our tax bills keep going up.
I support free markets and a level playing field for all businesses.
Instead, we’ve seen subsidies and tax cuts for a few lucky corporations while making everybody else pay higher taxes. We shouldn’t raise your taxes to subsidize new businesses to move here. That’s unfair, plus it crowds our schools and roads. Organic growth, good. Steroidal growth, bad.
5. Why should people vote for you?
I have an engineering degree from the University of Texas and live with my wife and son in Williamson County. I previously owned a countertop business in south Austin and served as executive director of the national Libertarian Party for eight years.
A county judge in Texas isn’t really a “judge.” It’s more like a mayor, but for the county government instead of a city. As a Libertarian County Judge, I’ll respect your right to do whatever you want as long as you aren’t hurting someone else. Live and let live, and keep taxes low.
