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GUADALUPE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 4

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  • Candidate picture

    MARK ALLEN
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    STEPHEN GERMANN
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    JOEL HICKS
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What background do you have that would enable you to be an effective commissioner?

What do you believe to be the highest priority for your precinct, and how would you address it?

How would you engage residents of your precinct and ensure their concerns are considered in decisions made by Commissioners Court?

What support would you like to see in the Texas legislature to enable the Commissioners Court to better serve the community?

Education Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration - Marketing from the University of North Texas
Experience Cibolo City Council - District 5 Councilman 2018 - 2022, Mayor of Cibolo Texas 2022-2025
Campaign Mailing Address 308 Antrium
Cibolo, TX 78108
Campaign Phone Number 2109562637
Campaign Email markallen9@yahoo.com
The citizens within Guadalupe County entrusted me as a leader within our community to serve as a city councilman when I was first elected in November 2018. I served along alongside some great leaders, and we were able to accomplish a lot of tremendous achievements within our community, including keeping our property tax rate low, reconstructing dozens of roads, and helping attract over 80 new businesses to our community. I was re-elected to my city council position in November 2021, and we continued accomplishing our shared goals of fiscal responsibility, improved infrastructure, and increased economic development. I ran for Mayor in November 2022 and was honored to be elected to serve as Mayor of Cibolo for a three-year term.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge we're facing within Guadalupe County is unrestricted growth. Back in 2019 the Texas legislature removed the ability for cities to annex property within their ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) areas. On the surface, this seemed like a welcome change and in line with protecting property rights for citizens in Texas. I was actually for this change and did not want to see cities annex landowners into their cities against their will. However, this change allowed developers to buy land outside of cities to build residential neighborhoods without strict city building standards nor city building permits. This has caused unregulated growth of substandard housing throughout Guadalupe County with safety issues.
For the past three years as Mayor, after every city council meeting, I would host a wrap up show called "Buffalo Bytes" whereby I would record a brief video outlining the most important topics that were discussed during the meeting as well as votes on matters of concern to residents. I would detail just the topics I felt the majority of citizens need to know such as road construction projects, new businesses, tax rate changes, as well as upcoming city events. As our next Precinct 4 County Commissioner, I plan to continue this practice to record a brief video after each Commissioners Court meeting to let everyone know the key topics covered during each meeting. I also plan to solicit feedback from citizens through polls and via email.
I plan to continue my efforts to seek reimbursement for cities within Guadalupe County for lost property tax revenue which will ensure that municipalities within our precinct have proper funding for infrastructure projects which benefit the greater community, such as road improvements, parks, water lines, and sewar infrastructure. I will also continue to work with our Texas legislature to determine a better path forward for housing development standards within ETJ areas throughout Texas. I am a champion of quality housing for everyone in Texas and feel that Texas families deserve to own a home with a solid foundation and quality building materials in which to raise their families. I'll hold homebuilders responsible to build quality housing.
Education Texas A&M Kingsville, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Experience Current Precinct 4 Commissioner, Lifetime Agribusinessman including Upper Level Mgt in Poultry Industry for 26 years.
Campaign Mailing Address 555 Gin Spur
Seguin, TX 78155
Campaign Phone Number 8305606580
Campaign Email germanncattle@yahoo.com
I am the Guadalupe County Precinct 4 Commissioner for the last 3 years. This gives me more experience than other candidates.

I am a lifelong agribusinessman mainly in farming and ranching. The economics of that business are always extremely tight. I take this very conservative style with me to the county. I also have significant experience with constructions practices with land management and machinery management. I also took numerous soil science courses while in college. All of this experience, I use when dealing with roads and developments on a daily basis. I worked as an upper-level manager in the poultry industry. My work resulted in $55 million in sales. This work gave me experience in budgeting and human resources.
The highest priority is the strain on infrastructure and resources caused by the building of new narrow lot housing. Counties have little control to manage these, so we must do a good job of using the tools we have. We must ensure builders build what they plat. Water sustainability should be constantly addressed.

These developments strain the existing tax base. We must find new economic development to offset the cost of fire service, ambulance, law enforcement. We must try to get developers to assist in building roads. This should be driven by forcing developers to strictly adhere to their traffic impact analysis. Open dialogue with local school districts will help them project their needs as the result of all the development.

I am known for my open-door policy. I am always available, answer emails and phone very timely. I have town halls for group discussion. Our Commissioner Court agenda is posted by state law. Court meetings have a live feed where citizens can have a dialogue with us. I have a very good relationship with our public information officer and work closely with the local news media.

Above all, I try to be very visible in the community such as at businesses and city council meetings to let people know what is happening in the county. I am a huge advocate of getting people involved on issues to try to make things happen for the better. Being transparent is an absolute must to be a successful commissioner. I am a true servant of my people.
Since the legislature allowed developers to "opt out" of ETJ's of cities, development in counties has been rampant. Much of this scenario is driven by the legislature tying the hands of counties and not allowing much control over development. It's really simple - the state should stop regulating counties and allow them the freedom to do what is needed for the safety and well-being of the people. The state should also allow counties to charge impact fees on new housing. Existing taxpayers should not be forced to bear the burden of new roads, fire protection, and law enforcement. The developer should bear the burden. State unfunded mandates and regulations must come to a halt to stop the undue taxes on local citizens.
Education Community College of the Air Force, Associate of Science Honors San Antonio College, Bachelor of Science Honors Texas Lutheran University,
Experience 5+ years United States Air Force, 8+ years Cibolo City Council, 6 years Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization TAC Board member, 8 years Texas Municipal League Certified Municipal Official Region 7 President and Region 7 Board of Directors, along with multiple planning and development boards and committees, gained experience in local government, infrastructure, and regional planning, responsibilities of budgeting, infrastructure improvements, Working with State Legislators to improve existing Bills for the betterment of Human Safety.
Campaign Phone Number 2102550546
Campaign Email hicksforcc@gmail.com
 My experience in local government, regional planning, and fiscal management equips me to serve effectively as Guadalupe County Commissioner. As a former Cibolo City Councilman, I managed policymaking, budgeting, and constituent needs during rapid growth. Serving on the AAMPO Transportation Advisory Committee strengthened my understanding of regional infrastructure, economic development, and intergovernmental coordination. As a TML Certified Municipal Official and board member, I gained statewide governance and legislative insight. I prioritize fiscal responsibility, transparent budgeting, and collaborative, accountable leadership to support sustainable growth and quality of life for all residents.
My top priorities for Precinct 4 are safe, reliable roads, effective drainage, and strong public safety. I will work proactively with engineers, first responders, and residents to assess infrastructure, prevent flooding, upgrade roads, and ensure timely emergency response. I am committed to transparent communication, resident engagement through meetings, surveys, and digital updates, and partnerships with community organizations. I also support legislative action to restore county authority over platting and development, ensuring growth is safe, responsible, and aligned with local needs.
I am committed to engaging Precinct 4 residents through accessible, transparent, and responsive governance. My approach includes inviting participation in Commissioners Court meetings, offering digital access and livestreams, actively listening via multiple communication channels, and partnering with community organizations. I will provide updates showing how resident input shapes decisions and offer educational opportunities on county operations. By empowering residents and maintaining accountability, I aim to ensure their voices guide policies, strengthen public trust, and reflect community priorities.
I would support restoring and strengthening County Commissioners Courts’ authority over platting, subdivision standards and development. Local officials know community needs and can ensure growth is safe, responsible, and aligned with residents’ priorities. Legislative support would allow counties to set flexible standards, coordinate infrastructure, approve plats efficiently, and maintain transparency—protecting roads, drainage, emergency services, and neighborhood character—while promoting sustainable growth and preserving quality of life in Guadalupe County and Precinct 4.