I am seeking the endorsement of the Hays County Young Democrats because we share a commitment to service, fairness, and building a government that works for everyone. As Assistant County Clerk and Chief of Staff, I lead a team that serves thousands of residents daily— with the important documents of their lives from vital records to court documents—delivering accuracy, efficiency, and care. With over 30 years of leadership, I focus on innovation, accessibility, and accountability. Your endorsement would support continuing a County Clerk’s Office that reflects Democratic values, embraces growth, engages our community, and ensures every resident is served respectfully and effectively.

I bring over 30 years of leadership and public service experience that have prepared me to serve as Hays County Clerk. I served as a U.S. Army Colonel, leading complex teams and operations with accountability, efficiency, and integrity. After my military service, I transitioned to public administration and have spent more than four years as Assistant County Clerk/Chief of Staff, managing the day-to-day operations of a high-volume office that serves thousands of residents through by processing vital records, court documents, and more.

In these roles, I have overseen modernization initiatives, implementing new technologies to improve access, accuracy, and efficiency while maintaining strict compliance with state and federal regulations. I have led professional organizations and teams, established process improvements, and built a culture of accountability and service excellence. Beyond my official duties, I have also served my community through leadership roles with local nonprofits, strengthening civic engagement and supporting community programs.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development and bring extensive leadership training from my 30-year military career, which included four command positions and multiple executive staff roles. My education and experience in leadership, organizational management, and technology-driven operations—combined with hands-on service to both my country and the residents of Hays County—have prepared me to lead the Clerk’s Office with professionalism, transparency, and a people-first approach. I am committed to ensuring that every resident can access services easily, safely, and respectfully, while supporting a team that is empowered, trained, and recognized for its expertise and dedication.

1. Improve Access to Records and Public Services

Goal: Ensure residents can easily find, retrieve, and understand county records and services, both online and in person.

Plan: We are implementing two new online portals for vital records and court documents that use natural‑language search options, making information easier to find and reducing barriers for residents. I will oversee continued enhancements to these systems to ensure they are secure, user‑friendly, and compliant with all legal requirements. In our offices, staff receive ongoing customer service and technical training so residents are greeted with professionalism, clarity, and respect when accessing services like birth certificates, deeds, or marriage licenses.

2. Strengthen Staff Support, Professional Development, and Organizational Structure

Goal: Build a workplace that reflects Hays County’s growth, supports specialized roles, and enhances service quality.

Plan: As the county has grown, so has the complexity of work in the County Clerk’s Office — we are now the fifth largest county department. I will continue updating job classifications and descriptions to align with actual responsibilities, clarify career paths, and bring salaries to fair market levels. This improves morale, retention, and accountability. Paired with targeted training and leadership development, these changes will empower staff to serve the public efficiently, accurately, and with confidence.

3. Ensure Accuracy, Accountability, and Security in Official Records

Goal: Maintain the highest standards for official records, safeguarding accuracy and confidentiality.

Plan: The Clerk’s Office is the custodian of vital and official records, including birth and death certificates, property records, assumed names, and court records. I will maintain robust internal checks and balances, clear workflows, and regular quality reviews to ensure legal compliance and minimize errors. Modern technology supports accuracy, but diligent oversight and staff accountability remain central. I will work closely with Hays County IT to ensure our digital infrastructure and record systems continue to meet strong security standards so sensitive data remains protected.

If I could choose one “walk out” song, it would be We Are the Champions by Queen. The song speaks to perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming challenges—qualities I see every day in the County Clerk’s Office. Our staff works together to serve thousands of residents accurately, efficiently, and with care, often during important moments in their lives. This song reflects the pride and dedication of our team, and the commitment I bring as a leader: to support our staff, honor their work, and ensure that every resident experiences government that is professional, accessible, and people-first.

I do not support the current state of ICE in the United States. Under the current federal leadership, ICE has repeatedly exceeded its authority, often operating with impunity, and has caused fear and harm in our communities. Their actions in disregard of the law, human dignity, and the Constitution are deeply troubling. I have actively spoken out against these practices: protesting in Hays and Travis counties, speaking at the Texas Capitol in Austin as a U.S. Army Veteran who defended this country and its Constitution for 30 years, and advocating directly with County leadership. I have urged our local officials to protect Hays County residents from ICE overreach and to ensure that local law enforcement does not participate in operations that target or terrorize our community. I remain committed to standing up for the rights and safety of all residents.

I do not support the use of ALPRs or AI policing technologies that collect, analyze, or share local data with federal agencies. These systems enable mass surveillance, invite abuse of sensitive location data, and disproportionately harm immigrant communities, communities of color, and political organizers. They normalize profiling and erode fundamental rights to privacy, movement, and due process.

I have raised these concerns directly with County leadership and have been vocal within local Democratic organizations about the dangers of adopting surveillance technology without meaningful public oversight, strict limitations, and enforceable protections. I oppose expanding law-enforcement technology that prioritizes control over community safety and operates without transparency or consent.

As a public servant and veteran who swore an oath to defend the Constitution, I believe local government has a responsibility to resist policies and technologies that undermine civil liberties. I will continue advocating for limits on surveillance, clear prohibitions on data-sharing with federal agencies, and community-driven accountability to ensure Hays County protects the privacy, dignity, and rights of all residents.

We live in a data-driven society, and that reality is not diminishing. However, I do not support the development of AI data centers—or similar large-scale projects—in Hays County if they threaten our water supply, environment, or utility infrastructure. Growth and technology cannot come at the expense of sustainability or community well-being.

Any proposed data center must undergo rigorous, transparent planning and demonstrate that environmental and utility concerns—especially water usage—can be fully addressed. If those concerns cannot be resolved, the project should not move forward. Responsible governance means being willing to slow the process to ensure better outcomes for residents, rather than rushing development that creates long-term harm.

I have raised these concerns in conversations with community members and professionals in the field, and I continue to engage with experts exploring more sustainable alternatives, including emerging water-cooling technologies. These innovations show promise, but they must be proven, enforceable, and accountable before approval. Addressing the challenges of growth and technology requires collaboration, honesty, and a commitment to sustainability. I believe Hays County must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to protect our natural resources while planning thoughtfully for the future.

Yes. I believe a genocide is being committed against Palestinians. The actions of the Israeli government—not the Israeli people—constitute crimes against humanity, including the mass killing of civilians, the destruction of essential infrastructure, forced displacement, and the collective punishment of an entire population. These actions violate international law and fundamental human rights.

Holding governments accountable for their actions is not antisemitism, and it is critical to be clear about that distinction. I condemn antisemitism in all forms, just as I condemn Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. My position is rooted in a belief in human dignity, the rule of law, and the universal application of human rights—values that must apply equally, without exception.

As a public servant and a veteran who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and defend human rights, I believe silence in the face of mass suffering is unacceptable. Calling for a ceasefire, accountability, and the protection of civilian life is a moral obligation. I support efforts that center peace, justice, and the self-determination and safety of both Palestinians and Israelis.