WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONER, J.P. CANDIDATES DEBATE AT FORUM
Washington County candidates in the March primary election gave their thoughts on pertinent topics on the minds of voters on Wednesday, during KWHI’s Candidates Forum at Brenham National Bank.
Candidates for Washington County Commissioner of Precinct 2 and Precinct 3, as well as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, answered questions on topics including volunteer fire department funding, infrastructure improvements and sustainability for the future.
Economic viability was discussed at length by the Precinct 2 Commissioner candidates. Jim Chisolm said bringing in businesses that will retain and bring in younger families is central to the county’s growth.
Mark Schonefeld said aside from supporting law enforcement and the volunteer firefighters, one of his priorities is ensuring future generations have the tools to thrive in agriculture.
Amanda Klehm said fostering relationships with young entrepreneurs and helping them grow roots in the community could assist the county in a range of ways not limited to economic development.
William “Bubba” Herrin said the issue of getting families to want to live in Washington County comes down to affordability and wages.
Shifting to the Precinct 3 Commissioner race, Chad Dismukes said the county needs to find a path forward to remedy the costs facing volunteer fire departments, saying while state grants are available, lengthy delays in awarding those grants mean what the departments receive pales in comparison to what they actually need.
Speaking on community engagement, Gil Janner said he is up for any methods or formats that allow residents to have their say and have their voice heard.
Moving to the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace race, Judge Travis Semora discussed the office’s relocation from the space at Chappell Hill Sausage to the courthouse annex in downtown Brenham. Semora said the new location provides better access for residents from all parts of the county, and it also addresses concerns presented about possible conflict of interest.
Holly Johnson answered that the move has created issues with parking, accessibility and availability of courtroom space, and she pledged to find a solution that is best for everyone.
The forum can be viewed on the KWHI Facebook page.
Early voting begins on Tuesday, February 17th. Election Day is Tuesday, March 3rd.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Commissioner candidate, Jim Chisolm.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Commissioner candidate, Mark Schonefeld.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Commissioner candidate, Amanda Klehm.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Commissioner candidate, William "Bubba" Herrin.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 3 Commissioner candidate, Chad Dismukes.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 3 Commissioner candidate, Gil Janner.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace candidate, Holly Johnson.
Click below to listen to the opening statement from Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace, Travis Semora.
