The three-candidate race for Kendall County’s Precinct 2 commissioner seat has narrowed to two. Andra Wisian and Leon Brimhall are the two candidates to survive the first round of votes, and they will face off next week to see who will take the Republican nomination.
While Wisian took a strong lead in the March primary, taking just shy of the 50 percent needed to win in the first round, the election remains anyone’s game as the two have had two months longer to campaign and there’s another 23.92 percent of the ballot left up for grabs after Garry Manitzas was knocked out of the running.
Both candidates have a long history of public service and involvement in the community, making the ballot a tough one to cast.
Brimhall has served as the justice of the peace in Precinct 2 for 12 years and has served as the development manager for the county. He previously served as the Precinct 2 commissioner before changing over to his justice seat. Brimhall formerly ran the Artworks Gallery and Frame Shop in Boerne, and he has been a member of the JCPA, serving as the president of the Texas JCPA in 2008.
“I am a problem solver, independent thinker (and) capable of thinking outside the box to present common sense and conservative solutions,” Brimhall said. “I have dedicated over 16 years serving you with integrity, honesty and experience to promote the health, safety and welfare of all constituents of Kendall County. I personally ask for your continued support along with your vote. I would be honored to serve you the citizens of Kendall County.”
Wisian shares two sons with her husband, Kirby. She is a former television journalist, travel video producer, corporate media producer and the current owner of a creative media company. Wisian also continues to be a rancher at the Red Angus operation. She was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott as the Kendall County representative for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority board of directors and previously served as the president of the Kendall County Youth Agriculture & Equestrian Center.
“As a county resident for nearly 30 years, I have a great passion for this unique area and the people who live here,” Wisian said. “As our county and country face challenging times, I offer steady leadership as a commissioner in order to keep the irreplaceable character and culture of our county for future generations.”
Q: What are the key issues you’re focused on coming into the runoff?
• Brimhall: My personal key issue is to work hard, getting people out to vote in the runoff and win the election and represent Kendall County the next 4 Years as county commissioner for Precinct 2. The key issues for Kendall County remain growth, traffic, roads and water quantity/quality.
• Wisian: Holding the line on government spending in a time of increasing property valuations, inflation and the cost of living without sacrificing essential county services. The pressure of rapid growth that threatens the county’s unique character, burdens taxpayers and strains our water resources, roads and schools. The threat to our security from drug and human traffickers coming across the border as well as increasing crime from a growing population.
Q: If elected, what would your priorities be upon taking office?
• Brimhall: Precinct 2 is the fastest growing precinct in the county with 5,000 more people than the next precinct. I will work with TxDOT to improve Highway 46 E, FM 474, and FM 3351. I will work to improve county roads and rights of way. County priorities are a jail extension, finding room for county offices, County Court at Law and a new justice center.
• Wisian: Focusing on the county budget to look for savings and ensure we are being good stewards of taxpayers’ money while meeting the needs of county residents. Engaging local, elected leaders to strategically plan for growth of the county as a whole. Engaging with landowners to explore and incentivize land stewardship to slow land fragmentation.
Q: If elected, how would you work with others to reach your goals, including other municipalities, the public and the other commissioners?
• Brimhall: I am currently an elected official as justice of the peace in Precinct 2 for the 12th year and have been with Kendall County for more than 16 years. I have a good relationship with other county offices, employees and with other municipalities, the public and the other commissioners.
• Wisian: The willingness to listen and accept guidance from citizens, elected officials, and fellow commissioners is key in reaching goals. An open door and regular communication have always been my policy. That will continue as my commitment to the people of Kendall County.
Q: What have you learned about the county or this political position in your campaign?
• Brimhall: With dedication to the County for more than 16 years, I have gained extensive experience, knowledge, and history of the county. I have served before in 1993-94 for Kendall County Commissioner Precinct 2. I am familiar with the county and the commissioner’s position.
• Wisian: During the campaign, I have continued to see firsthand that the strength of Kendall County lies in its people. They are friendly and compassionate and put that compassion into practice. Furthermore, I have learned that citizens have a vision for our community that includes preserving the unique character and attributes of our county.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
• Brimhall: People should vote for me because they need a leader with the most experience and loyalty to our county. I have served Kendall County as assistant development manager (95-99), which deals with subdivision rules, divisions of land, flood plains, septic systems and TCEQ on any pollution problems. Currently, I deal with the judicial system, sheriff’s office and the county jail.
• Wisian: I am a fiscal conservative who believes in faith, family and community. I bring a unique skill set to the job: Communication proficiency, experience as a business owner and a manager of projects and budgets. I embrace the values of integrity, respect, courage, commitment, excellence and selfless service. I strive to live those values.
Candidate responses are in alphabetical order. Only minor editing was done.
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