The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan has released a new episode featuring Ricky Gleason, a candidate for Kendall County Judge in Texas. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the conversation examines the role of county leadership during a period of rapid growth in the Texas Hill Country, with Gleason outlining his approach informed by his background in financial planning and business consulting.
In Texas, the County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county, overseeing budget priorities, emergency management, and intergovernmental coordination. Gleason described his decision to run as a personal commitment to serve his community during a time of increasing complexity. A central theme of his platform is collaborative leadership, emphasizing that counties must work in partnership with cities, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and neighboring counties to address shared challenges effectively.
Gleason identified emergency management, wildfire preparedness, and support for volunteer fire departments as areas requiring enhanced coordination and long-term planning. The discussion also focused on managing growth along the Interstate 10 corridor and throughout the Texas Triangle. Gleason rejected simplistic pro-growth versus anti-growth narratives, advocating instead for realistic, values-driven planning that respects private property rights while preserving the region's heritage, water resources, and quality of life.
Water availability and regional infrastructure emerged as critical issues with implications for business sustainability and community resilience. Gleason called for proactive collaboration among Hill Country counties, noting that water systems, flood risks, and transportation networks do not stop at county lines, making intergovernmental cooperation essential for developing sustainable solutions. This perspective highlights the interconnected nature of regional challenges and the business risks associated with resource scarcity.
The full interview is available as part of the Vote Like A Texan series, which aims to make Texas candidates more discoverable and empower voters with substantive conversations about leadership. Gleason underscored the importance of voter participation, particularly in primary elections, encouraging residents to engage early in the electoral process. For business and technology leaders monitoring regional development, the interview underscores how local governance decisions on infrastructure, water management, and strategic planning directly impact economic stability, investment climate, and long-term community viability in high-growth areas.
