Brazos County Pct. 1 Commissioner candidates headed for a runoff

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – While results from Super Tuesday won’t be finalized until Friday, it’s clear two candidates are headed for a runoff in the race for the Republican nomination for Brazos County Precinct 1 Commissioner.

Those two candidates are incumbent Steve Aldrich and Bentley Nettles.

KBTX spoke with both of them today about how they plan to get voters to show up again this May.

The biggest issue in the republican race for Precinct 1 Commissioner is how voters feel about property tax protests. Commissioner Steve Aldrich says he stands by fighting a rising tax rate.

“I don’t like to see people who I have a responsibility for paying more than necessary to fund what they’ve agreed upon that Brazos County is supposed to do for them,” said Aldrich.

Challenger Bentley Nettles says differently.

“When I look at the way government works, I focus on how we best spend taxpayer dollars, treating it like your own, making sure you’re getting the best value for the money. That will reduce the pressure on the need for property taxes,” said Nettles.

He says he’ll keep talking about the County Government working in favor of residents.

“We’ll be working right up until that time to get our message out to the voters and make sure our voters make it to the polling places,” said Nettles.

Aldrich says he’s preparing for the runoff by doing his job.

“I’m getting ready to go to a strategic planning meeting with the health district. And then tonight I’m going to an emergency service district meeting down in Millican for a financial strategic plan to figure out where they’re going,” said Aldrich.

Nettles says the runoff made it clear residents want change and he is confident he can be that.

“I think we need somebody who’s going to be a full-time commissioner, gonna show up and do the job, and has a bigger perspective than just a single issue for the commissioner’s Court, ” said Nettles.

Aldrich says as Precinct 1 Commissioner, it’s his duty to listen to the citizens in Brazos Valley.

“I will continue to take a stand for them when I look at the numbers and see that they are being inappropriately and unfairly taxed,” said Aldrich.

Both of these candidates say their main goal is to serve the residents in Precinct 1.

They have until May 28th to make their case to voters. They say their plan is to continue talking to voters and encourage turnout in May.