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Who's running for Nueces County Judge?

Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal announced in June of last year that he would not be running for reelection in the 2018 midterms, telling 3News that he was ready to enjoy his retirement.

Now, former Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley is on the Republican ticket facing off against Democratic candidate Barbara Canales. Pusley stepped down from his role as District 1 County Commissioner in order to run for the judge's seat. He was replaced by Corpus Christi council member Carolyn Vaughan.

3News took a closer look at the race between Pusley and Canales.

The following questions were posed by the League of Women Voters board and submitted by candidates via Vote411.org. Candidate responses are reprinted verbatim and are not edited.

Mike Pusley, Republican

Describe your credentials and life experiences that quality you to hold this office.

I am a life long resident of Nueces County. I have over 25 years of elected and appointed experience including serving the past nine years as the Nueces County Commissioner. I also served nine years as an elected member of the Tuloso-Midway Board of Trustees and for six years as an appointed member of the Corpus Christi Planning Commission. I have a BS Degree in Geology from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and worked in the Oil & Gas exploration business for 40 years. My elected experience as well as my business experience provide me with the skills and knowledge to carry this community forward.

What are the most important duties of a county judge?

In Nueces County the County Judge is responsible for the day to day operations of County Government. One of the most important of those responsibilities is developing and presenting the County budget to the Commissioners Court during the County's yearly budget process.

What are your three top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Nueces County, and what will you do to support them?

Working with the City and Port of CC to develop a long range solution to our water needs. I will form a task force to come up with a solution. Drainage - we must come together as a community to begin to address the many storm water drainage issues that exist in Nueces County. I worked to bring many new drainage solutions to Precinct One and will do the same with Commissioners and City officials to bring about additional needed changes. While roads are not a big an issue for the County we still need to make sure we continue an aggressive maintenance program for our roads and bridges

Aside from building additional roads, what steps can the county take to advance improved mobility in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county?

We have to work with TxDot and the various City's in Nueces County to understand and address where we need to increase funding for handling the increase in traffic congestion, like the Northwest Blvd area. As populations grows in a specific area we all need to work together to understand how best to address the demands that will be made on our infrastructure. Much of this can be addressed working closely with the MPO, TXDot and the RTA to make sure our strategic planning is closely following our community expansion.

Barbara Canales, Democrat

Describe your credentials and life experiences that quality you to hold this office.

I personally know Corpus Christi, our rural and coastal areas, and all places in between. I'm a petroleum engineer, an attorney, a small business owner, a Commissioner for the Port, and I serve on many boards (United Chamber, Bays & Estuaries, South Texas Military Task Force, and more). My years in Port leadership have taught me the importance of better governance for the public good. I understand Nueces County's needs, strengths, weaknesses, and potential. As your advocate-in-chief, I'll pursue higher paying jobs, smart economic growth, and better county services.

What are the most important duties of a county judge?

To bring leadership, efficiency, and new economic growth to Nueces County (by management of its budget, and oversight / governance of its unfunded mandates (e.g., homelessness, indigent care (including behavioral health care)), veterans services, coastal and inland parks, the courthouse, the jail, and more). Nueces County's budget –through good leadership – must be managed to maximize benefits from and use of our taxpayers' dollars.

What are your three top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Nueces County, and what will you do to support them?

My top three public infrastructure priorities are: (1) a county-wide GIS (Geographic Information System) to allow Nueces County to be a "smart" county; (2) better drainage for so many parts of Nueces County; and (3) support new infrastructure for the Padre Island community that is ready for a booming economy. To achieve these goals, I will pursue state and federal grants, and advocate for public-private partnerships. If the county can more strategically utilize its resources while simultaneously reaching out to its entrepreneurs, then we can accomplish projects otherwise beyond our reach.

Aside from building additional roads, what steps can the county take to advance improved mobility in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county?

Aside from building additional roads, better drainage is the most important issue for our county so that we may promote greater mobility. Better drainage of our rural areas will allow farmers better access, allow our residents better access to emergency services, and give access to properties not otherwise suitable for development. Residents' increased mobility and access to all parts of the county make our properties more developable, and thus more valuable.

Click here to return to the Voters Guide.

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