Richard has diverse experience in advocacy, finance, small business economic empowerment, infrastructure, strategic planning, team building, education and 8 years as Precinct 2, Commissioner/Judge ProTem. In addition he completed 170 + training hours to improve Commissioner Skills which are essential to address the challenges facing Kendall County. His volunteer experiences as Chairman of the Hill Country Regional Public
Defender Office Oversight Board, Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, Boerne ISD, GVTC, Boerne YMCA, member of the Boerne Education Foundation and business advisor to local businesses give him a firm understanding of the culture, needs, and expectations of Kendall County residents.
Richard has created, funded and managed numerous companies and budgets in his career. Largest budget exceeded $500 million.
Kendall County budget is a zero dollar based budget and by law must be a balanced budget never to exceed tax’s collected from the taxpayer while maintaining a surplus for emergencies.
Protecting the Heritage, Quality of Life and Natural resources (I.e. Water etc.) while ensuring the health safety and welfare of all of Kendall County Citizens. Addressing and resolving Transportation needs thru out the County. Economic development that will ensure a healthy and thriving community for Kendall County citizens today and the future.
By utilizing the existing resources, existing best practices and knowledge of the offices of the Texas Government and Its Citizens.
I run a family business – Texas Star Nut and Food Co. - that we have taken from $0 in annual revenue to over $130 million in annual revenue. As commissioner, I will run the county, as a business. I will collaborate with my fellow commissioners and judge for the common goal of the county as a whole: protecting our high quality of life in Kendall County. I have worked on several strategic plans and iterations of plans and have executed several initiatives. I am currently a member of the ZBOA for the city of Fair Oaks Ranch.
At Texas Star Nut Co. I oversee a budget twice the size of the Kendall County budget. We have covenants from the bank, profit objectives, and employee needs that require consideration in every decision made. In addition, we contract with farmers to buy certain commodities. Managing money and people have been an integral part of my business life. I will transition these skills to the county on a full-time basis.
Today, yes, the budget does appear to be adequate. It also appears that the budget will continue to be adequate given the new tax revenue from the onboarding of new homes being built.
My top priority for Kendall County is to implement a strategic, actionable long-range plan. The county currently does NOT have a strategic plan. This plan will be created with help from stakeholders in the community and in collaboration with Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne ISD, Comfort ISD and Cow Creek Conservation District. Also, we need to understand our mobility needs – to include county and state roadways. A countywide water usage plan is also needed to understand our water needs into the future. Water conservation will be key to maintaining our high quality of life.
Many counties across the state already have strategic plans – we would likely need to spend a nominal amount of money from our current budget to initiate the process. Executing a well thought out mobility plan that excludes any form of infringing on private property will constitute a study of immediate needs based on roadway safety. Water conservation could be incentivized through tax exemption.
I have more than 33 years of continuous service in Kendall County as a community volunteer, nonprofit board member, appointed official—including a gubernatorial appointment—and now as an elected county commissioner. As Commissioner for Precinct 2, I have worked through multiple budget cycles, addressed public
safety and infrastructure needs, managed growth and water issues, and collaborated with cities, state agencies, and
regional partners. My experience combines hands-on local knowledge, long-term community involvement, and practical governance focused on accountability, transparency, and service to residents.
Before taking office, I served as a director of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, working with a $70 million budget. I also helped raise and oversee a $2.5 million construction budget for the Kendall County Youth Agriculture & Equestrian Center. As a Kendall County Commissioner on the Commissioners Court, I have participated in developing, reviewing, and approving three county budgets, including the current approximately $91
million budget. The work includes department review, capital planning, oversight of county-funded programs, and
evaluating staffing needs. I support responsible budgeting, prioritizing public safety, roads, justice, and essential services, with transparency, efficiency, and public participation.
Kendall County’s budget is adequate to meet current needs because it is built around delivering essential services at a high standard. As part of the Commissioners Court, I have supported funding for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical services, roads, justice, and county operations so services keep pace with growth rather than falling behind. We have also invested in county facilities and staffing and protected water resources
through careful management of Proposition A conservation investments. A responsible budget should invest where necessary, avoid shortcuts, and ensure residents receive the level of service they expect from their county government.
My top three priorities are public safety, responsible growth, and fiscal responsibility. Public safety means support for firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical services so residents can count on timely, effective response. Responsible growth means protecting what makes Kendall County unique by safeguarding water resources and natural beauty, planning for roads and infrastructure, and respecting property rights and quality of life. Fiscal responsibility means overseeing taxpayer dollars through transparent budgeting while maintaining a
high level of county services. Across all three priorities, I am committed to clear communication and public engagement so residents have meaningful opportunities to provide input.
I address my priorities within the authority granted to counties under the Texas Constitution by focusing on budgeting, oversight through the Commissioners Court, policy decisions, and fiscal stewardship. I rely on the law, established best practices, and collaboration with other elected officials, county staff, and partner agencies to ensure decisions are sound and within our legal scope. Just as important, I prioritize transparency and community
engagement. Since taking office, I have shared more than 90 newsletters and updates to keep residents informed, explain county decisions, and invite public input so governance remains open, lawful, and accountable.
