County Commissioner Precincts in plain English
• Each Texas County is divided into 4 Commissioner Precincts.
• Each Hays County Commissioner's Precinct has about 62.5k residents.
• Each Commissioner's Precinct is represented by an elected official.
• Elections are staggered every two years between EVEN & ODD precincts.
• In 2022, Commissioner's Precincts #2 and #4 are up for election.
• The Commission is responsible for important decisions such as roads and bridges, infrastructure, health care and the environmental impact of growth.
• The 4 elected County Commissioners represent their individual precincts, and are presided over by The Hays County Judge.
• The County “Judge” is not really a judge at all, (which is confusing.)
• Think of the County Judge as the person elected to oversee all Commissioner Precincts and their elected representatives.
• Of the 4 Precincts, only 1 Commissioner is a Democrat.
• The County Judge is also a Democrat.
• The County Judge has an equal vote to everyone else, so, it’s 3 R’s vs 2 D’s.
•BUT… 2 of the 3 Republican Commissioner seats are up for election in 2022.
• The County Judge seat is also up for election this year.
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO VOTE THIS YEAR.
MEET THE CANDIDATES for 2022:
Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen
"I was born in Austin, TX and moved to Hays County in the 1980s. I attended Buda Elementary, Kyle Middle School and a graduate of Hays High school. I have worked in supply management for over 20 years in the public and private sectors. I have been working for the State of Texas for over 11 years currently working as a trainer for The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. I have a BS in Business Administration, MBA and a Doctorate in Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. I am the founder of Hays Latinos United, a grassroots organization that provides PPE, COVID testing and COVID vaccines to the underserved communities of Hays county. I am married with 4 children and we currently live in Kyle. I love my community and I will do anything for them."
MEET THE CANDIDATES for 2022:
County Judge Ruben Becerra
Meet Ruben
Ruben’s Work
Criminal Justice Commission
Becerra created a criminal justice commission that brought together leaders in law enforcement from around the county to discuss opportunities for improvement throughout the criminal justice system. Businesses and families see the devastating effects of a broken system firsthand. The goal of this commission was to start a great conversation centered around reducing recidivism, promoting successful reintegration into society, and protecting constitutional rights.
Mental Health Task Force
BecerraJudge Becerra believes mental health should be a primary focus. He established the Mental Health Hospital Task Force, which created the roadmap to bring a mental health hospital to Hays County with the goal of destigmatizing and addressing mental health issues. In December, he was able to get funding approved for a Needs Assessment to determine what services and the size of the wellness center needed in our county. This would support our healthcare system, our criminal justice system, economic development, and ultimately all residents in Hays County.
Public Defender’s Office
With the creation of the Public Defender’s Office, Becerra is focusing on safeguarding the rights of the accused and ensuring everyone has the right to counsel. Those who have been accused of victimless crimes could qualify for pretrial diversion programs, an easy place to start addressing overcrowding in our county’s jail. $5 million have been allocated to the creation of a new Public Defenders Office. This program is well-supported, well-funded, and will be long-lasting.
Council for the Indigenous & Tejano Community
Judge Becerra created the Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community to ensure the stories of the underrepresented have an active voice in our community. The Council’s mission is to relay, in public places, the multitude of under-told and untold stories of the Indigenous and Tejano People of Hays County, while also preserving the history, traditions, and rich culture of our community.
No-Kill Animal Shelter
Hays County is one step closer to a centralized, no-kill animal shelter. The shelter will be centrally located for better access to the residents of Northern Hays County. Our efforts have been tireless, and thanks to that effort, a regional study is underway. Judge Becerra created the Animal Advocacy Advisor and Community Liaison Position, and appointed Sherri Boyett to serve. This role has been instrumental in our efforts to reunite pets with their owners, shelter those in need, and find new homes for animals that are lost.
