“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is anything you want to do takes considerable discussion,” said Erath County Judge Alfonso Campos of his three years in office.
As an example of the speed that government can take, Campos cited the vote on a property tax freeze for Erath County residents age 65 and over, scheduled to be decided in the Dec. 28 County Commissioners meeting. The vote will freeze tax rates to the current 2021 dollar amount for Erath seniors if passed. The matter was met with positivity when it was brought up in Aug. 2020, but Campos said matters had to be discussed and evaluated before approval.
Campos believes the county is in a great position for it to be approved, noting that the county can take care of elder residents and the cost will be offset by the expansion brought on by economic development projects and county growth.
Campos is proud of the county’s growth but also stated his pride in several other aspects of the last three years.
Campos touted the way county agencies worked together in establishing a COVID vaccine center as the pandemic began. He reported the center served more than 12,000 residents. “People that wanted the vaccine were able to get it,” he said.
Campos also expressed pride in the fleet management system for purchasing law enforcement vehicles on a lease/purchase agreement. Campos said this allows the county budget smaller amounts throughout the year and get more current vehicles with modern features to help with officer convenience and safety.
Campos is also happy with the county’s selling of the Long Hotel to get it back on the tax roll and development of the block adjacent to it, which is allowing them to construct a building for several offices including the county clerk, county tax assessor/collector and AgriLife Extension agents.
If re-elected Campos said he would like to build on these successes, in ways like continuing insurance for county employees who retire and live streaming meetings and keeping them available online so people unable to attend can watch them later.
“I would also like to work towards more unity in county government,” said Campos, adding that better communication between the offices helps the county work more efficiently.
Campos said his favorite part of the last three years has been being able to tell his neighbors that he is serving them as judge. Campos said he doesn’t have a second job, that he puts all of his interest in serving as judge and welcomes anyone to come to him with questions or concerns.
For more information, find Alfonso Campos for Erath County Judge on Facebook or Instagram. Campos and his wife, Connie, have three children. Campos previously served as Erath’s head of pre-trial services and a Justice of the Peace in Caldwell County. He also held several state appointments including the Chief of Marine Enforcement and served the governor’s emergency management council through continued education. He is endorsed by the Texas Right to Life for his past support.