More from Co. Judge Candidate Forum
Our coverage of Saturday’s forum involving the Fayette County judge candidates begins on Page 1A today, but here’s more from the event:
Challenges
The candidates were asked what they thought were the most challenging responsibilities of the County Judge position.
William Bernsen said budgeting and being a good steward of the taxpayer’s money is the most important responsibility.
“The property tax is the most oppressive and offensive kind of tax there is,” Bernsen said. “I call for its elimination, and in the meantime I would always want to keep taxes as low as possible. I’ll be watching that.”
Bernsen said another important responsibility includes managing disputes.
“Calming nerves, moderating debates – I’m generally a peacemaker,” Bernsen said.
Dan Mueller said the biggest responsibility is to spend tax dollars wisely.
“We’re fiscal conservatives here,” Mueller said. “We’ve also been fortunate to have strong law enforcement. Prior to Sheriff Korenek, we had Sheriff Vandel, who did a fantastic job. Sheriff Koopmann, Sheriff Flournoy – all fiscal conservatives providing professional law enforcement, but always cognizant of keeping expenses down as low as possibly. I would say the best way to look out for the tax dollars is to keep spending low and to provide those services such as the fire departments, the highway patrol officers, the deputies and constables and such, and of course, the EMS.”
Moreau said the three most challenging responsibilities as County Judge are ensuring safety, building community and providing prosperity.
“To ensure safety, we have to make sure we have first responders who are able to live and work in Fayette County,” Moreau said.
Moreau said all County departments face staffing challenges due to employees seeking better pay elsewhere.
“It cost us more not to pay them correctly, because then we have to bring in and train someone else,” Moreau said. “It’s a losing proposition. We need to get our police officers, our paramedics paid well. We need to look at getting our volunteer firefighters a stipend int he way of a retirement, which some departments have done. That will ensure safety.” Moreau said he wants to
Moreau said he wants to build a “consortium” of churches and nonprofits to assist the County government.
“We’re going to get all those churches and community organizations who want to participate a role in what is needed after a disaster and also during the good times by giving them tools,” Moreau said.
“We’re going to provide prosperity by keeping the tax rate low. I’ve been in the forefront of this tax discussion. It’s on my signs. Keeping taxes low brings in more revenue in the end run because it brings in good businesses – businesses that give people honorable jobs that they can be proud of and make our community strong.”
Berger cited safety as the most important responsibility.
“EMS as well as the fire departments and police departments – those are the three major things we need to protect our citizens,” Berger said.
“As we look to the future, things change daily,” Berger added. “We maintain equipment that’s probably been outdated ten years ago. Hopefully, we can start replacing some of that equipment gradually. As well, raises for our departments.”
Government Mandates
Next, the moderator asked the candidates what they “see as the role of County Judge regarding the enforcement of government mandates.”
“If there is a government mandate, and the government is demanding it be mandated, then the county should follow through on that,” Mueller said.
Mueller said he would consult with the County Attorney and the four County Commissioners on such matters.
“If there is a government mandate that must be mandated, then it would be implemented,” Mueller said.
Moreau spoke about how the County Judge can influence higher officials concerning mandates.
“Some of the mandates come down from the Governor’s Office, and one of the major roles of the County Judge is talking to the Governor, talking to the legislators who have the ability to make those decisions. I have a very good relationship with many, many people who work in the Capitol at Austin. I’m against mandates in almost every way. The worst thing you can do, especially to Fayette County folk who like to do things their own way, is to tell them they have to do something. A much, much better way is to educate them on why its a good decision.” Moreau said he was against
Moreau said he was against the mask mandates.
“I think a much better idea would have been to say, ‘Hey, there’s something really nasty out there that we don’t understand completely, and would you please consider doing this while we figure this out?’” Moreau said. “That makes a whole lot more sense to me than telling someone they absolutely have to do something.” Berger said she doesn’t be
Berger said she doesn’t believe in mandates.
“I think every citizen in Fayette County and throughout Texas and the United States has the ability to make their own decisions,” Berger said. “As far as mandates in Fayette County, they would have to prove to me that it’s vital for the health and wellbeing of our entire County to make me feel assured I was doing the right thing.”
Bernsen said he would not enforce unlawful mandates.
“In order to enforce any mandate, it must be lawful,” Bernsen said. “Any law or order or mandate that is repugnant to the Constitution is null and void from the beginning as if it never existed. I, too, would seek wise counsel from Ms. Supak quite often, but there are certain things I don’t need help with. Anything mentioned in the Bill of Rights, anything involving the rights of citizens, are expressly excluded from the general powers of government by the Bill of Rights.
“In no case would I ever infringe on the natural rights of citizens to make their own determinations,” Bernsen added. “Quite frankly, I think citizens are capable of making wise decisions by themselves and don’t need to be told what to do by the government.”
To be continued Friday