Fowler prepares for 4th term

Although General Election results were still being determined as of press time Tuesday, DeWitt County races were virtually locked-in as all candidates listed for County positions ran unopposed with the Republican Party.

County Judge Daryl Fowler is set to enter his fourth term at the helm of county government in January with goals of improving local roads and preparing the county to be financially stable as oil and gas production from Eagle Ford Shale slows.

Fowler said he was proud of the accomplishments the Commissioners Court had achieved since he first took office in 2011 and planned to continue making progress toward a bright economic future for the county.

“There will be a time when my body and my mind will tell me that I have accomplished all that I can accomplish,” said Fowler. “When Eagle Ford Shale is at a plateau or even winding down, the county will hopefully experience a soft landing after the last well is drilled rather than an absolute outright crash, which is pretty typical with energy sector counties.”

Fowler said he and the court take an emergency management approach to prepare the economy for a future when oil and gas production is not as prevalent. Renewable energy products have appeared on County agendas and will likely continue to make their way into courthouse discussions as potential revenue streams.

“I think the signs of good economic opportunities are already here because the Cuero Economic Development Corporation has two new businesses already in place and ramping up operations with the prospect of adding more than 200 jobs in this geographic area between now and next summer,” said Fowler. “Economic development is not my primary concern because the City of Yoakum, the City of Cuero and other jurisdictions are already collecting revenue for those purposes.”

Flower said he hoped that the comradery of county officials and staff continues as the makeup of the DeWitt County Commissioners change.

“These guys (on the current Commissioners Court) have a global mindset when it comes to the business in the county. That is so helpful…,” said Fowler. “They certainly protect their constituents but not to the extent that they don't see the need for the bigger picture and the greater good of the county.”

Visit LavacaCountyToday.com for updated election results.

Unopposed DeWitt County candidates:

• County Judge - Daryl Fowler
• District Clerk - Esther Ruiz
• County Clerk - Natalie Carson
• County Treasurer - Carol Ann Martin
• County Commissioner Precinct 2 - James Pilchiek 
• County Commissioner Precinct 4 - Brian Carson
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Peggy Mayer
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Blanca McBride