After almost taking out her opponent, Leon Brimhall, in the March primary election, Andra Wisian successfully has taken the Republican bid for the Precinct 2 Kendall County Commissioners Court seat. Wisian will officially take on her new role January 1.
Wisian took a hefty share of Tuesday’s runoff vote – earning 70.63 percent of the 2,012 votes cast for the Precinct 2 seat – which mirrors her March Republican primary numbers where she received just a half a percent shy of the 50 percent needed to win. In good sportsmanship, Wisian thanked not only those who voted for her but her opponents for their civic engagement.
“I am grateful to the Precinct 2 residents who voted for me as well as others who offered their prayers, friendship and logistical support,” Wisian said of those who elected her. “We received 70 percent of the vote. Now, we need 100 percent citizen engagement to tackle the issues facing our county.
“Also, I’d like to thank Mr. Brimhall and Mr. (Garry) Manitzas for caring enough about our county to step up and run for office. Their willingness to serve exemplifies what is great about our community.”
While Wisian is a former television journalist, travel video producer, corporate media producer and the current owner of a creative media company and rancher at the Red Angus operation, and has a long history of public service and involvement in the community. 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.
Throughout her campaign, Wisian has advocated for increasing communication between the commissioners’ court and the public and other municipal agencies, supporting first responders and law enforcement, mitigating the growth spurt hitting the Hill Country and curbing government spending – noting the significant hike in property tax valuations across the state and country. After winning the Precinct 2 spot, these messages from Wisian remain strong.
“I will address the following critical issues,” Wisian said when asked what she would address first upon taking office. “First, I will focus on the county budget to hold the line on government spending. In a time of increasing property valuations, inflation and the cost of living, we need to look for savings and ensure we are being good stewards of taxpayers’ money while meeting the needs of county residents.
“Second, I will ensure we support our sheriff’s department, judicial system and first responders. We must stand strong against the threat to our security from drug and human traffickers coming across the border, as well as increasing crime from a growing population.
“Third, I will engage county landowners to explore and incentivize land stewardship to slow land fragmentation. I will explore the implementation of measures to hold developers accountable for proving up sustainable water supplies and paying for needed infrastructure rather than burdening taxpayers.
“Fourth, I will welcome input and feedback from citizens. Citizen engagement reflects democratic governance and fosters citizen buy-in, which results in better outcomes.”
In her months-long campaign to take her place on the Kendall County Commissioners’ Court, Wisian said she has seen firsthand that the county gets its strength from its residents, noting the friendly and compassionate nature of residents. Further, she noted residents have a vision for the county that preserves the Hill Country character.
“My constituents should know that I have the willingness to listen and accept guidance from citizens, elected officials, and fellow commissioners.” Wisian said. “An open door and regular communication have always been my policy. That will continue as my commitment to the people of Kendall County. 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.”
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