ELECTION GUIDE
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C8
MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4 (cont.) CURRENT CAREER • Teacher, Godley ISD, 15 years FUTURE CAREER PLANS • If elected, I will be a full-time commissioner PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE • Education, past 19 years
Edwin Mueck, 49 25-year resident FAMILY • Wife of 26 years, Sally Woodley Mueck • Daughter, Victoria Mueck EDUCATION • Tarleton State University, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Suma Cum Laude • Texas State Technical Institute, diesel and heavy truck mechanics, 3.9 GPA • Graduate of C.H. Yoe High School ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • Parts manager, Cameron Equipment Co. • Parts manager, Johnson Equipment Co. • Lead teacher, Godley ISD • Chairman of the deacons, New Prospect Baptist Church
SERVICE AS ELECTED OFFICIAL • None APPOINTMENTS • Godley ISD District Improvement Committee, 2005-06 • Godley Intermediate Teacher Interview Committee, 2004-14 • Textbook adoption committees • Pastor search committees CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • Somervell County PRCA Rodeo, 2013 Member of the Year • Texas Federation of Teachers VOLUNTEER SERVICE • Paluxy Pedal • Toy drives • Church activities • Glen Rose High School Band • Project Graduation • Relay For Life
• Fundraising for scholarships • Fundraising for needy children
Mueck Q&A Q: What are the duties of county commissioner? A: A commissioner’s duty is to serve the county and its citizens. We are elected officials that have the duty to represent, to the best of our ability, the citizens of the county. In serving, a commissioner promises to oversee property and how county money is spent. Decisions should be based on fact — not influence from others — and what is best for the county as a whole. A commissioner should always strive to improve the county physically and monetarily. Our county is constantly changing. As a commissioner, you need to focus on currrent and plan for the future. Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County? A: The loss of tax dollars from Comanche Peak is our biggest challenge. We have great facilities, but we lack industry. We must search out and bring in new industries to offset the loss in tax revenue. New homes and small businesses are certainly a plus and
much needed in our county. However, with the magnitude of tax dollars that we are talking about losing, we must have industry to offset it. Those who were here before the power plant know what the financial situation of the county was like. Then, the power plant arrived. Industry arrived. Our county’s entire monetary standpoint changed. Millions of dollars were being handed to us. Life was good. We enjoyed low taxes and new amenities. Now, times have changed again. The days of luxury are ending. We cannot wait for industry to search us out. We must be proactive and search for industry to the county. Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses. What adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county? A: I will look at all services and facilities maintained by the county. Finger pointing and statements like, “They lose more money than they do,” is not how to approach the problem. We have several different entities, but in reality, everything makes up Somervell County. We need to look for savings in all areas and not just focus on a few. All department heads will
need to tighten their belts and monitor spending. All of that said, I will not focus all my attention on the bad. A commissioner should always be looking for ways to improve the county, not just maintain it. Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed? A: As an incoming commissioner, I don’t see how I could answer this question. Personally, I do not have the information I need to make such a call. I deal with numbers and facts. I have no agenda coming into this office. I am not out to cut or get rid of anything specificlly, nor am I out to save anything. The county should be run like a business — gather data first, sit down with the board to brainstorm, and come up with options. I do not know what has been discussed or tried in the past. I do know I can bring ideas to the table. Hopefully some will be new options for the county to pursue. Q: How do you feel about the current condition of roads and bridges within your precinct? A: Nothing is, or will ever be perfect. For the most part, well-traveled roads and bridges in our precinct are in fair shape.
There are some places on less traveled roads that could use some attention. While out talking to people, I have come across some concerns in several areas. The biggest concern was from several residents living on old 67 between Tres Rios and FM 200. Their concern is about the speed in which people travel — a much higher speed than the clearly posted speed limit. They are very concerned about the safety of their children and potential accidents. Several residents living in the Eagles Nest development talked to me about a drainage issue. Another gentleman talked to me about loose gravel when turning from 67 onto CR 406. I told them I was in no position to make promises, but I would look into the issues to see if anything could be done. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: My people skills. A commissioner represents citizens within his or her precinct, as well as the entire county. Communication with other court members and citizens is key. You must be able to listen, as well as direct. You must be able to remain levelheaded. You have to be willing to listen to the bad and the good. see MUECK, C9