Mueller Fires Moreau Minutes After Being Sworn-In as Judge

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New Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller wasted no time in making his first big decision as leader of the County.

Mueller fired Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Craig Moreau just a few minutes after Mueller’s swearing-in ceremony on Sunday morning, New Year’s Day. Mueller said he would personally assume the responsibilities of the emergency management coordinator position with assistance from County staff.

Moreau, who was hired by former County Judge Joe Weber in 2019, ran against Mueller in the Republican Primary last year. Moreau recently faced criticism from two commissioners, Harvey Berckenhoff and Drew Brossmann, over his handling of courthouse security measures and the expiration of the County’s emergency management plan. Moreau also received praise from many in the community for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter storm of February 2021.

Judge Mueller issued the following press release on Sunday morning: “Mr. Craig Allan Moreau’s tenure as an employee of Fayette County, Texas, under direction and discretion of the County Judge of Fayette County was concluded on January 1, 2023. The Statutory Emergency Management Coordinator, as provided by Texas law, shall be the County Judge.”

“The day-to-day activities and detail of the office of emergency management coordinator shall be conducted by Angela Hahn, already a county employee, who is imminently experienced and qualified,” the release went on to say. “The County will realize a savings of money by combining Angela Hahn’s responsibilities. The position is one to provide cooperation and coordination of available services in emergency situations.

“As a proper collaborative relationship develops, it is anticipated that the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator(s) shall be appointed, with their consent, from the following: Volunteer Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Medical Service, County Commissioner(s), County Extension Service, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, City Police Departments, Constables, City Governments, Texas A&M Forest Service, Fayette Power Project, electric, gas and water utility providers, communications providers, School administrators, St Mark’s Medical Center, the Ministerial Alliance, and other providers of critical products and services in the event of any type of emergency, natural disaster, or condition that constitute a threat to the safety, health, and wellness of the citizens of the county.

“These Deputies shall meet upon agendas of collaboration and cooperation on how best to summon and cooperatively utilize available public and private resources to serve the public health and safety in emergency situations. These individuals shall serve through their public spirit and that of the employers who compensate them without further taxpayer burden.

“The Texas Constitution provides constitutional offices with prescribed duties and which have served Fayette County well since its creation.

“My administration shall strive for cooperation and kindness. We will concentrate on the public health, safety, general welfare, and safe transportation and travel of our residents and welcome visitors.”

The Record asked Mueller to explain his reason for firing Moreau. He declined to comment. The Record also asked Mueller to further explain his vision for emergency management and the “deputies” and meetings he mentioned in the press release.

“No other newspaper is going to call and ask about this,” Mueller said. “The news release speaks for itself.”

Moreau Responds

Moreau gave the following statement on Sunday: “Serving the treasured citizens of my home, Fayette County, County Judge Joe Weber, and the multitudes of organizations that make this county special has been an incredible honor. Shortly after my appointment, the county and the world experienced the longest declared disaster in history. We have come together to help each other during disease, freezes, droughts, fires and floods and our county is stronger and better prepared than ever.

“The county is under new leadership and our family will pray for them as we do every leader from the president to the school board because it is what we are called by God to do. Romans 13:1 tells us that even if we are surprised by who is placed in positions of power, God is not.

“I was disappointed however, that the first action by the new leadership was to walk across the room and deliver the news of my unceremonious dismissal,” Moreau said.

The firing took place at the same time Mueller swore-in Moreau’s wife, Jamie Moreau, as the new Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace.

“It was even more disconcerting that the obviously political action was made in front of my family and friends who were at the courthouse to celebrate the election of Precinct 2’s new Justice of the Peace,” Moreau said. “It is quite obvious that the punishment for running against, and coming within 544 votes of the new leadership is not only grounds for dismissal but attempted embarrassment.

“The appointment of an out-of-county person to the duties of Emergency Management is also clearly a reward for political support,” he added. “That notwithstanding, I truly hope that all involved are successful in guiding the county through upcoming difficult decisions. I pray that future decisions will be made without the conflicts of interest that we see in urban counties, and I hope that favors are not granted to financial and political partners. Fayette county deserves service over politics.

“In the near and distant future I plan to do what I have always done; analyze opportunities and pray for guidance on making the right decision,” Moreau said. “The right decision will always lead to building a safe and resilient home for my family and your family in any way possible. Thank you Fayette County for the opportunity to lead.”