I’ve met with hundreds of concerned Precinct 4 residents—and I hear you. Your thoughtful questions matter, so I’m sharing both your questions and my answers with everyone. Thank you.
My direct responses on developer lawsuits
Because the county has a responsibility to enforce rules that protect taxpayers, infrastructure, and quality of life. Standing up to aggressive or predatory development sometimes requires defending those standards.
No. County finances have remained stable, with the tax rate decreasing with each budget, reflecting disciplined budgeting, transparency, and long-term planning.
Unchecked development often increases long-term costs—roads, utilities, public safety, and maintenance—which ultimately fall on taxpayers. Responsible growth protects both residents and budgets.
Yes. Thanks to you and our continuing dialogue, I’ve been widely recognized as one of the most accessible commissioners in decades, maintaining an open-door approach and ongoing communication with constituents.
My answers on water supply, safety, and responsible growth
In 2022, McLendon-Chisholm residents experienced serious water shortages. The County is simply requiring proof that enough water exists for daily use, emergencies, and fire protection before approving thousands of new homes.
No. This is about safety. If a development cannot prove a reliable water supply, it should not move forward—regardless of size or price.
I support property rights and limited government. But when water security and public safety are at risk, government has a duty to step in and protect residents.
Lawsuits don’t change our responsibility. Without action, thousands of homes could be built without guaranteed water, and that is unacceptable.
Traffic increases, emergency response suffers, and taxes often rise to fund new schools and services. Growth must be supported by proven infrastructure.
Prove the basics first—water supply, fire protection, and infrastructure readiness. Safety and quality of life come before approvals.
My answers on taxes
More than 80% of the county budget is spent on criminal justice. From the jail, sheriff department, district attorney’s office, court rooms, and the departments that support these operations.
In order to keep taxes low the focus must remain on spending and limiting the county government to only the core functions of government
The tax rate is a percentage of your home value that you pay in property taxes. Tax rates must decrease as the home appraisals and values increase or else you are paying more in taxes.
County Government has ZERO oversight of the Appraisal Board.
My answers on roads
Personally, I think the outer loop is a bad deal for Rockwall County. The negatives of the high density residential and over development outweigh the developer driven pros of economic development.
In a registered voter poll just released, over 70% said that they fear over-development that comes with this loop, and I agree. This poll allows me to share concerns of the residents of my precinct to the state and federal decision makers that are trying to get this loop built.
The current route needs to change because it runs too close to neighborhoods in the southern part of the county. This project is controlled by the state and federal governments rather than the county, but I will continue to fight for Rockwall County residents to get the best deal possible. I believe the current plan is a bad deal, and I will keep representing the people accordingly.
I am focused on getting roads built that actually relieve congestion for Rockwall residents. That means prioritizing fully funded projects, improving key intersections, and standing up to developer-driven plans that don’t serve our community.
In November 2021, Rockwall County voters approved a $150 million road bond (Trip 21) to improve local roads.
The bond identified 26 specific road and intersection projects across the county.
Funding is being issued in phases, with the first $50 million authorized to advance priority projects.
Trip 21 dollars are designed to leverage state and federal funding, reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
The program also supports updates to the county’s Master Thoroughfare Plan to guide long-term growth and traffic relief.
SH205 – Fully Funded now from State and Federal Partners – was not funded when I took office
FM549 – Will start construction in February – was not funded when I took office.
Horizon/Village – Construction will be funded next year to widen the road.
Edwards Road – Construction to finish the expansion of road in 2026.
Poetry Road – Construction funded to start in 2026.
South Ben Payne Road – Construction funded in 2026.
Miss May Drive – Construction funded for new road to Worthy High School from Woodcreek.
Crenshaw Road – Set to begin construction in 2026, was $5 million short as project had to be redesigned and moved off current roadway for expansion.
FM35 is currently under design.
FM551 is currently under design.
FM548 in Royse City is currently under design.
FM2453 will begin design in 2026.
FM 1777 expansion to connect to FM 35 design will begin in 2026.
FM 3097 (Horizon) will begin design in 2026.
FM 1141 will begin design in 2026.
FM 740 will begin design in 2026.
FM549 (SH 205 to FM 740) will begin design in 2026