Issues
Where Rich Paces Stands
Direct, fact-based answers on the issues that matter most to Kerr County voters.
Rich Paces is the current Kerr County Precinct 2 Commissioner — a Christian conservative, professional engineer, volunteer firefighter, and fiscal conservative focused on responsible growth, lower property taxes, public safety, groundwater protection, and transparent county government.
What does Rich Paces believe about property taxes?
Rich Paces is committed to keeping Kerr County property taxes as low as possible. As a fiscal conservative and engineer who understands the county budget, he advocates for disciplined spending and finding more cost-effective ways to deliver county services and infrastructure.
Key points
- Advocates to keep property taxes as low as possible
- Brings an engineer's understanding of the county budget
- Pursuing AG Barn improvements at roughly half the original $8 million bond cost — through grants or visitor-funded venue taxes
- Champions fiscal discipline rooted in conservative principles
What is Rich Paces doing about the July 4th flood and flood warnings?
Rich Paces is focused on helping residents and businesses rebuild from the July 4th flood and ensuring an effective Flood Warning System is in place so Kerr County never again experiences loss of life from a flood. He was personally on the ground from the first hours of the disaster.
Key points
- Helping residents and businesses rebuild and recover
- Pushing for an effective countywide Flood Warning System
- Public education so people know what to do when warnings come
- Personally led door-to-door warnings, search & rescue, debris cleanup, and welfare checks
What is Rich Paces' position on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?
Rich Paces is leading the regional fight against Battery Energy Storage Systems invading Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie Counties. As President of the Chapter 391 Sub-Regional Planning Commission, he is using a regional, multi-county strategy to protect the Hill Country.
Key points
- Opposes BESS facilities being placed in the Hill Country
- President of the Chapter 391 Sub-Regional Planning Commission
- Coordinates a regional response across Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie Counties
- Committed to finishing the fight he started
How Will Rich Paces Help Protect Kerr County's Groundwater and Aquifers?
While groundwater regulation and management are the responsibility of the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District, Rich Paces strongly supports protecting Kerr County's aquifers and water resources for future generations. As a Registered Professional Engineer, Rich brings technical understanding and practical experience to issues involving groundwater, development, and infrastructure. He has personally studied Kerr County aquifer geology and groundwater movement and believes county leaders should work cooperatively with the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District to encourage responsible growth and protect the county's long-term water supply. Rich has also consistently voiced concerns about industrial projects or development that could pose unnecessary risks to Kerr County's natural resources and rural character.
Key points
- Registered Professional Engineer with technical understanding of aquifers and groundwater systems
- Has personally studied Kerr County aquifer geology and groundwater movement
- Supports the mission and responsibility of the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District
- Believes groundwater protection is a generational responsibility
- Supports responsible growth and careful review of higher-risk industrial uses
What is Rich Paces' plan for the AG Barn?
Rich Paces plans to complete the AG Barn improvements he initiated — and do so at roughly HALF the cost of the original $8 million bond proposal. The plan reflects Rich's fiscally conservative, engineer-driven approach to county projects: fix what is needed, avoid waste, and protect taxpayers.
Key points
- In 2024, Rich secured critical structural repairs and a new roof using remaining ARPA funds
- Detailed architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans completed for competitive bidding
- Structural repairs, new roof, and full engineering plans completed for approximately $650,000
- Currently pursuing grant funding for remaining improvements
- If grants are insufficient, a 2% venue tax on hotels/B&Bs could be considered — paid by visitors, not county taxpayers
- Any venue tax would require voter approval through a future ballot measure
- Committed to no unnecessary debt or costs for non-critical improvements
Importantly, the structural repairs, new roof, and full engineering and construction plans were all completed for approximately $650,000. Rich remains firmly committed to ensuring Kerr County taxpayers are not burdened with unnecessary debt or costs for improvements that are not critically needed.
Where does Rich Paces stand on election integrity?
Rich Paces is a strong advocate for election integrity in Kerr County. He believes voters deserve transparent, secure elections and a county government that takes the integrity of the ballot seriously.
Key points
- Supports strong election integrity protections
- Stands with the Republican Party's stated priorities on elections
- Wants county government that is open and accountable to voters
What kind of leadership does Rich Paces bring to Kerr County?
Rich Paces offers continuity, hands-on service, and conservative principles. He is the kind of commissioner who shows up — at 6 a.m. during a flood, at fire calls, at community projects — and who keeps the public informed every step of the way.
Key points
- Continuity of leadership in Commissioners Court
- Hands-on, show-up-and-help leadership style
- Keeps the public informed and engaged
- Christian conservative values guide decision-making