The Vote Like A Texan civic interview series has released a new episode featuring Ricky Gleason, a candidate for Kendall County Judge in Texas, discussing the responsibilities of county leadership and the challenges facing one of the fastest-growing regions in the Texas Hill Country. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the conversation explores how Gleason's background in financial planning and business consulting informs his approach to governance, with a focus on strategic planning during a period of rapid growth and increasing complexity.
In Texas, the County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county, overseeing budget priorities, emergency management, intergovernmental coordination, and the Commissioners Court. Gleason describes his decision to run as a deeply personal and family-centered commitment, rooted in a desire to give back to the community that raised him. After years of consideration, he says the timing felt right to serve Kendall County during this critical period.
A central theme of the episode is the need for collaborative leadership at the county level. Gleason emphasizes that counties must work in partnership with cities, school districts, nonprofit organizations, first responders, and neighboring counties to effectively address shared challenges. He points to emergency management, wildfire preparedness, flooding, and volunteer fire departments as areas where coordination and long-term planning are essential for community safety and resilience.
The conversation addresses growth along the Interstate 10 corridor and throughout the Texas Triangle, with Gleason rejecting simplistic "pro-growth versus anti-growth" narratives. Instead, he advocates for realistic, values-driven planning that respects private property rights while preserving the Hill Country's heritage, water resources, and quality of life. This balanced approach aims to manage development while maintaining the character that makes the region attractive to residents and businesses.
Water availability and regional infrastructure emerge as critical issues requiring proactive collaboration among Hill Country counties. Gleason notes that water systems, flood risks, and transportation networks do not stop at county lines, making intergovernmental cooperation essential for sustainable solutions. This regional perspective acknowledges that environmental and infrastructure challenges often transcend political boundaries and require coordinated responses.
McKenzie frames the discussion around the broader civic importance of county government, highlighting how decisions made at the local level directly affect families, businesses, and future generations. The conversation explores how a clear strategic vision can help Kendall County navigate growth while remaining a place where residents can build businesses, raise families, and preserve community character. This approach positions county government as a crucial mediator between development pressures and community values.
As the episode concludes, Gleason underscores the importance of voter participation—particularly in primary elections—encouraging residents to engage early and make their voices heard in the democratic process. The full interview is available now as part of the Vote Like A Texan series at https://www.rickygleason.com, which works to make Texas candidates more discoverable and to empower voters with direct, substantive conversations about leadership and public service.
