Brazos County commissioner candidates debate issues live on KBTX
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Early voting is happening this week for the primary election runoffs.
One race in a runoff is for the Republican side of the ballot for Brazos County Precinct One Commissioner.
Those candidates are incumbent Commissioner Steve Aldrich and Bentley Nettles and both joined News 3 at 6 this evening for a debate on-air.
Our conversation first centered on the hot topic of property taxes. Bentley Nettles took no time to bring up the fact that Commissioner Steve Aldridge forced a lower tax rate by skipping meetings, a tactic that Nettles calls irresponsible. But Aldridge makes no policies for.
“He has become the most ineffective Commissioner in the history of Brazos County, not only because of his missing 10 meetings and not showing up for work, but then doubling down in August of this last year and calling all the other Commissioners names. You have to be able to work with other people,” said Nettles.
“My duty was to taxpayers. My duty was not to the other Commissioners. My duty is not to the judge. My duty is to taxpayers. And this wasn’t just something that affected Precinct 1 constituents. Everybody in Brazos County benefited from not being needlessly taxed,” responded Aldrich.
With many many new projects on the horizon, the two offered their thoughts on how to pay for it all without having to squeeze more from taxpayers.
“You got to make sure that you know the county is not being taken advantage of. You want to make sure that the projects come in on time and under budget,” said Nettles, who said he has experience from his time with the TABC of overseeing projects that were completed on time and under budget on his watch.
Commissioner Aldrich said he plans to work with other members of the commissioner’s court to continue being fiscally responsible.
“With Fred Brown being elected in Precinct 3, and hopefully I elected in November, I promise you, that there will be an opportunity between us to make sure that we get this right, and treat property owners fairly,” said Aldrich.
Both gentlemen were also asked to end the debate by complimenting the other.
“Well, look, I don’t have anything personally against my opponent, I disagree with his policies and politics. He and his wife have been contributors to our community. So you know, I hope they continue to do that, but out of office,” said Nettles.
“I appreciate his service to our country and the one thing I want people to know is, is this election is not about me. It’s not about the other candidate in the race. It’s about what the people in Brazos County want,” said Aldrich.
You can view the entire exchange in the video player above.
The winner of this race next Tuesday will go on to face the Democratic challenger in November.
