Van Wilson has announced that he will run on the Republican ticket for Brown County Commissioner, Precinct 1.
Wilson attended Brownwood schools and graduated from Brownwood High School in 1988. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas A & M University in 1992. While in College Station, Wilson worked for Siegert Drilling Company and Clayton Williams Drilling as a heavy equipment operator and welder. He later worked as a welder for Hanover Trailer Company.
Returning to Brownwood after graduating from A & M, he worked in his family owned farm and ranch operation as well as Weldon Wilson Electric, Inc. He began work in 1995 for the Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service as a wildlife specialist. During his fourteen years with the agency, he gained experience in working with private ranch land owners to solve wildlife and ranching conflict issues. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1998. Wilson continues to work in the family farm and ranch management business.
His association with the Sikes’ ranch and hunting operation has offered him many opportunities to meet people from all over the United States with interests similar to his own. When he had the opportunity to meet Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbot, and accompany him and Abbot’s daughter on a whitetail deer hunt, Wilson was inspired by this public servant who had not let obstacles stand in the way of serving. He learned that Abbot had an accident during his college years which put him in a wheelchair for life, but it did not deter him from seeking office. It was soon after meeting Abbot that Wilson began thinking of public service and his own qualifications. He decided to enter the race for County Commissioner, Precinct 1, where he has lived most of his life. He believes that his education and life experiences have qualified him in the areas of working with people, operating large equipment, and maintaining county roads.
He is the father of two sons, Garret and Ty, ages 14 and 10. He enjoys hunting, camping, and involving the two boys in chores on the ranch where their shared love for animals and the outdoors is evident. His most memorable times have been to watch them participate in sports and music activities.
Wilson is a member of First Baptist Church of Brownwood, Jordan Springs Wildlife Management Association (served as president from 1995-2001), and is currently serving as president of Brown County Livestock Producers Association. Wilson has also served as secretary in the Texas Collegiate Cattle Feeders Association.
Wilson states, “I would appreciate your vote in the Brown County Primary Election and would seek to serve the community in which I live with pride and excellence.”
Candidates for local elections may submit an announcement of their candidacy to [email protected]. Announcements will be published once and in the order they are received until the end of the second filing period.