As an independent voter leaning-toward-Democrats I would like to endorse Will Conley, a Republican, as  the best candidate for County Judge of Hays County. The tribalism that has taken the place of just good judgment sometimes causes voters to ignore that we should be trying to select the best qualified candidates for the elected position rather than “a member of our tribe.”

My husband and I have known Will Conley since he first ran for office more than 14 years ago; our friends...