Last Call for Free Candidacy Announcements!

As a service to readers, the Fayette County Record allows candidates for public office to submit one free announcement to tell voters who they are and why they are running. These announcements can be up to 350 words and may include a photo head shot. Email these to editor Jeff Wick at jeff@fayettecountyrecord.com. We’ve run several over the past few weeks but as the filing period is over, this week is your last chance to get them in as a free news item.

William Bernsen Running for County Judge

William Bernsen and his wife Brianne are proud parents of six children, ages 8-21, who were all born and raised in Fayette County. The Bernsens have deep roots in Fayette County going back nine generations to the 1850s when the Hoelscher family settled in Ross Prairie. His family history is on display at the Hoelscher Haus at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center.

Bernsen graduated from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying. He serves on the University’s Academic Advising Committee, chairing it for over a decade. He also served on the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors’ exam committee for many years; including two years as chair. Bernsen founded Absolute Land Surveying in 2002 and has surveyed in a third of Texas’ counties and built bridges in nine states. He recently performed quality control on a $400 million, 1,100-foot long, international bridge. Locally, Bernsen has served as Precinct Chair since 2012 and Election Judge since 2014, including Judge of Central Count.

Bernsen believes that the fundamental purpose of government is to secure the Godgiven, inalienable rights of its citizens. He believes that limited government increases liberty and freedom, which leads to prosperity. As a skilled executive and fiscally conservative businessman, Bernsen’s approach to the budget will eliminate waste, save money and slow the rate of spending increases. As a surveyor, he has a unique understanding of the area’s culture and heritage and will preserve it. Bernsen will serve with professionalism, selflessness and impartiality and restore harmony, civility and a spirit of cooperation. He promises unparalleled transparency and citizen participation.

For the past four years, Bernsen has studied our county government and built key relationships with county officials. He has deepened his Catholic faith and humility and honed his leadership skills. Like the three surveyors on Mount Rushmore, Bernsen is determined that our children will know good governance. He can’t wait to share what he has learned, what he would do as County Judge and asks for your vote in the March primary. Visit WilliamBernsen.com for a detailed resume and to support his campaign.

Mike Zweschper Running for County Judge

I, Michael Zweschper, chose to run for Fayette County Judge because this is my home, and I want what is best for Fayette County. I feel that my 30+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry has given me a solid foundation to face any challenges the County Judge may face. I have a long history of building/teams and cultivating relationships. My experience includes HR, Warehouse/logistics, Safety, Environmental, Emergency Management/Preparedness. I have served as primary representative in unemployment claims, workers compensation claims and grievance meetings as well as arbitrations. Meeting with the National Labor Relations Board, participated in FDA, USDA, EPA and TCEQ audits have given me value experience working with governmental agencies. I have a history of writing safety and environmental plans as well as developing emergency action/ response plans.

My career has afforded me opportunities to sit in corporate board rooms, give presentations at Cooperative meetings, and participate in budget/goal setting strategy meetings. I have been fortunate to have been involved in construction projects from design and budgeting through build and commissioning. Managing budgets, inventories and accounting audits have provided me a deep appreciation and understanding of budgeting and how to trim a budget when it seems impossible to do so.

I served as Schulenburg Festival President for 20 years and am serving my third term as Schulenburg ISD Trustee and currently serve as President. I have a long and proud history of working and supporting school, church, and civic events.

Fayette County is not a secret, we can’t hide from the future because people know we are here, and we can’t survive in a bubble. We must be strategic in our approach to accepting ‘tomorrows’ without giving up our past and our traditions. We must cultivate relationships with our resources like, hospitals, clinics, schools, and venues that are vital to the county. Emergency preparedness needs to be expanded and involve the public. I will share my vision as we move through the election process.

I know I can lead this County into the future with innovative ideas and opportunities without sacrificing the identity we’ve built over generations.

Josh Homan Running for County Judge

My name is Josh Homan, and I’m running as a Republican for Fayette County Judge. I live in Flatonia with my wife, Kelly (Siegel), and two children. I am a US Army Veteran, an entrepreneur, and a conservative, and I would appreciate your support on March 3.

I was raised in a military family and continued the legacy of service as an Army Aviation Officer and helicopter pilot for more than 10 years. Serving our country and leading almost 300 of our nation’s best was the honor of my life. I owe a great debt to the Officers and Soldiers I served with, for it was there that I developed as a man and a leader, honing my abilities in the crucible of combat and the harshest of environments.

When we began to grow our family, it was time to move home; we were headed back to Fayette County. It was the perfect place to start and grow our small businesses and raise our children in a community where faith, family, hard work, and kindness still matter. Fayette County is the kind of place that shapes good hearts and strong futures, and we must keep it that way.

When considering your next County Judge, I encourage you to consider a saying I learned in the Army: “The best predictor of future success is past performance.” This also applies to judgment.

We have an obligation as residents of this great County to do our best to strengthen our community and leave it an excellent place for our children and those who come after us. As your County Judge, I will lead with a cool head and a fair hand. I believe in saying what I mean and doing what I say. I will listen, treat everyone with respect, and bring an outside-thecourthouse perspective, working to preserve what makes this County great, maximize our community’s resources, and ensure good governance for all people. God bless and have a merry Christmas.

Connect with me and learn more at VoteHoman. com. Find me on Facebook, reach out at Josh@VoteHoman. com, or text/call me at (361) 210-6950.