Co. Judge Candidates Use Forum to Try to Distinguish Themselves From the Pack

The four Republican candidates for Fayette County Judge all took the stage Saturday and introduced themselves: William Bernsen, a land surveyor and long-time Republican activist from Plum; Dan Mueller, the current Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace and co-owner and announcer at KBUK/KVLG radio station; Craig Moreau, the current Fayette County Chief of Emergency Management and Homeland Security who also serves as a Houston firefighter; and Lori Berger, the former Mayor of Flatonia and former LCRA board member who owns and operates the Winehaus restaurant in Flatonia.

The County Judge candidates were asked about their current sources of income and if they will continue those if elected.

Berger said she derives income from her restaurant.

“I own a restaurant in Flatonia that I’ve hired an amazing staff to run,” Berger said. “I have no doubt they’ll be able to carry on without me.”

Berger, who has served in the past on several state and non profit boards, said she has filed ethics documents pertaining to the assets she owns for the last 12 years.

“There’s never been a problem with any of the stocks or anything else I hold,” she said.

Bernsen said his primary income for the last 20 years comes from his surveying business, Absolute Surveying.

“Sadly, I will be unable to continue that business,” Bernsen said. “It’ll frankly break my heart if I have to give it up for County Judge. But it’s something I’ll have to do and I’m willing to do.”

Bernsen said his wife operates the business Plum Fabulous Foods, which would continue operations.

Mueller said his current income comes from his County job as Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace, a post he has held for nearly 28 years. He said he also owns part of the KBUK/KVLG radio station.

“I’ve been associated with the radio station for 45 years and it’s not going to affect my position as County Judge,” Mueller said. “I will continue doing what I’m doing right now, which is the morning news. I go on at 7 a.m. and I’m out of the door by 8 a.m. Unless (an officer) stops me for exceeding the speed limit down the Bluff, I’ll be at the courthouse by 8:15 or 8:20 to take care of the business of the County.”

Mueller also spoke about his property dealings in the County.

“I have over the last 20 years or so developed property,” Mueller said. “I’m proud of what I’ve done.”

Mueller said his projects have followed all county rules and restrictions.

“I have made property more available to people who can’t afford a hundred acres or two hundred acre tracts of land. So I’ve developed those tracts into 15, 20 acre tracts and more people can come into Fayette County and enjoy what we all want to enjoy.”

Moreau said his two main sources of income come from his job as a Captain in the Houston Fire Department and as Chief of Emergency Management for Fayette County. Moreau said he plans to step away from his firefighter job if elected.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am about that,” Moreau said. “My wife and kids are excited about that. I will be able to give that up and give all my time to being Fayette County Judge.

The candidates were also asked about potential conflicts of interest.

“It’s pretty easy for a broke fireman, I don’t have a whole lot of those,” Moreau said.

Moreau said he bought the farm on which his family lives 13 years ago, and he said he has no intentions of dividing or selling it.

“I have no conflicts of interest and I’ve never had any conflicts of interest,” Moreau added.

Berger said she would research before buying any property or investment.

“There’s no way I would let myself become part of something that could hurt myself or the county, or a bad reflection,” Berger said. “It wouldn’t happen to me.”

Bernsen said he has no conflicts of interest.

“There is nothing that will prevent me from dedicating my time and service to the County or doing what’s best for the citizens,” Bernsen said.

Mueller responded with the following: “You don’t remain in office for 28 years unless you’re a person of integrity. You don’t remain in the public eye for 45 years unless you’re someone of integrity. People know me. I’m not going to do anything unethical. I’m sure as hell not going to start now. I’m not going to do anything unethical.”