Conklin is on the ballot in the general election Nov. 8. He advanced from the Democratic primary March 1.
1. Why are you running?
I’m running to return honesty, transparency and accountability to the Williamson County Judge’s office.
I will bring competent, ethical and mainstream leadership to the position. The work of county government is non-partisan in nature, and I will work to serve everyone in our community. We need less drama and more servant leadership from the County Judge’s office.
2. What sets you apart from the other candidate(s)?
I am not a professional politician.
I am not in the pockets of special interests. I’m just a neighbor and a citizen who believes that county government should work for all of us, not just the well connected.
3. Are there concerns in the county you feel have not been addressed?
Our current county judge has concentrated much of his focus on what he calls “economic development.” But economic development is not a core function of county government.
Williamson County was already an attractive place to live and work before he was elected. County government needs to focus on making sure we are prepared for the inevitable growth that is coming and is already here, by focusing on the critical services and infrastructure that are the county’s core functions. Services – the county is consistently playing catch up with personnel and salaries of county employees, not just in our sheriff’s office, but across the board.
Infrastructure – my opponent has blocked the study of broadband needs in rural areas, and he has put his head in the sand with regard to the current and future water needs of our growing and often drought-stricken county.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue in this race?
This race is a referendum on the incumbent’s first term. He has failed on the two most important issues.
On Public Safety, he was a partner in former Sheriff Chody’s quest for fame and celebrity on LivePD, leading to the death of Javier Ambler and expensive lawsuits.
Yet he has feuded with Sheriff Gleason and undermined him at every turn. Only after significant pressure this election season did he agree to raises for our law enforcement officers. On Public Health, after issuing a stay-at-home order at the beginning of the pandemic, he had a deputy chauffeur him to a fire department where he pressured the chief to loan him a bunker suit to wear to a birthday party, breaking his own order. Williamson County had one of the poorest records in Texas in administering the COVID-19 vaccines, forcing many seniors to travel to other counties for their vaccinations.
5. Why should people vote for you?
I will focus on the essential, core functions of county government. I will serve all the people of our county, not the well-connected and the special interests.
I will not accept political contributions from companies who do business with the county, and I will not use my office for my own personal enrichment or that of my family and friends.
I’m asking for your vote if you want less drama and more action from your county government.
