Commissioner Barton announces bid for Hays County Judge

STAFF REPORT

Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Jeff Barton today announced a bid for county judge, making official an intra-Democratic Party showdown with incumbent Elizabeth Sumter.

“There’s so much more to be done. It’s been a successful three years as county commissioner. But with the right judge, with the right commissioners court, we will lay foundations that will make this a great place to live long after we are gone,” Barton said in a written statement.

In his announcement, Barton pointed to his leadership in passage of $30 million in parks and open space bonds in 2007, a portion of which was used at his insistence for preserving the 2,000-acre Dahlstrom Ranch from development. He has also been a champion of smarter growth and managed development, and speaks around the state on the topic, the statement said.

Barton noted a lead role in passage of $205 million in road bonds last year. Projects in his precinct have come in 34 percent under budget, he said.

Before being elected in 2006, Jeff Barton served as county commissioner from 1992-1998. He has also worked as aide to legendary former U.S. Rep. Jake Pickle, a journalist, small business owner, and manager of the Texas planning department of a small national engineering firm.

“As we confront the challenges ahead, I will bring my energetic, consensus building approach to lead the commissioners court in planning for our future while preserving our community,” Barton said.

He will make a formal announcement this evening, after filing with the local Democratic Party chair, at Railroad Barbeque in Kyle. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.

Sumter and Barton have butted heads frequently since joining the court the same year. The winner of the March 2 party primary will take on the Republican nominee in November. San Marcos physician Bert Cobb and Kyle businesswoman Peggy Jones are running as Republicans.