My name is Joel Kelton, Commissioner of Precinct 2. Long time resident of Brown County with 4 generations of family in the area. My wife Lola and I reside in May, Texas. We own and operate a business there – a mechanical and machine shop with multiple employees. 

As commissioner of Precinct 2, I also serve as Judge Pro Term, and Chair of the Ambulance Committee. 

I believe I serve as a strong voice for Precinct 2 in Brown County. I bring a common sense approach to local government – which means I’m also a strong conservative. 

I’ve continually served to help those of our precinct and the county as a whole. I’ve worked with the North Lake Community on multiple problems through the years.

Precinct 2 road system has continued to improve overall over the years. I’m always available to answer a call and answer any problem.

I’ve worked with our local rural water system and others to help with their needs, such as seeking money for a generator for the May system, money for repairs and improvement and support for grant money to all water systems in Brown County.

I always try to do what is best for all of us as a whole and would appreciate your continued support in the March election.

The following questions submitted to all candidates in contested races from Brownwood News.

1) How long have you been a part of the Brown County Community? To what extent have you been a part of local government in Brown County?

My family moved here in 1966 in time for me to begin school here. Other than a few years working in west Texas after finishing school, this has been my home. I served 10 years on the May School board, a number of years as Mays fire chief, and was operator of the community water supply where I’m still active on the board. I was elected to serve as Commissioner Pct 2 beginning 2006.

2)What is your vision for the future of Brown County: What changes would you advocate and why?

In light of the current political events, covid, and all the other crazyness in the world today,  I would like to see Brown County continue to be a welcoming, safe, common sense place to live and work. So maybe it’s about changing less.

3)Regarding your prospective position, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? 

I believe my work and business background bring a lot. Problem solving skills with common sense and dedication to the position  also.

Being a part of the community, working with and for other in the community. Listening and always being available. Knowing the needs and how county government works.

In my numerous years in this position I’ve completed the highest level of education available through the yearly training we are required by the State of Texas. I’ve dealt with a wide range of issues and know how to approach them to get results.

I’m still not fond of public speaking though.

4)What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? What areas need improvement and why?

Controlling the cost of running the county is always most challenging. To provide the the services that are required or needed and keep the tax rate in check is very difficult.

There are always things that need more, but we must maintain a balance.

Such as, we need quite a bit more road funding for continued repairs and improvements. We all know the cost of all things continues to rise. So many of our roads and bridges were built years ago and and an increase in heavy trucks ,traffic and weather events have taken their toll.

This is by no means the only need. Just an example of what I deal with daily.

5)What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career? In your personal life?

My idea of success in this position is to leave things better than when I came.

I can honestly say the county is in better financial shape and our roads are improving. Much paving and bridge work has been done. Our equipment in Pct 2 is adequate, in good shape and well maintained. I have a great crew and foreman Scotty Ford.

Personally I have a wonderful wife, Lola. All my family have grow up to be successful contributors to society. That’s a blessing.  I’ve created and run a successful machine shop with great employees.

 And mostly I’ve been blessed to have been chosen by my peers to represent them and all of Brownwood County as Commissioner Pct2 several times over. Thank you very much.  

See below and endorsement for Commissioner Kelton from Bob Contreras

I strongly endorse Brown County, Precinct 2 Commissioner Joel Kelton, for reelection. This may seem strange, as I am a resident of Precinct 1. However, having worked with him in the courthouse for almost three years, I have come to respect and admire the effectiveness of this intelligent, thoughtful leader.

He has served Brown County and his precinct well. Three years ago he expressed concern about the May water system, especially the effects of power outages. He asked for assistance in finding money to ensure a constant power supply and to repair all the valves. He supported the effort to receive funding from the Texas County Transportation Infrastructure Fund grant to fix CR 411 in his precinct.

Through Commissioner Kelton’s urging, the county received a grant for more than $20,000 to install a backup generator for power to pump water to homes and businesses. He is using $350K from the American Rescue Plan Act to rehabilitate all of the water valves in the system. He is now in the process of seeking a more than $400K grant to purchase two Community Safe Rooms for the North Lake area to protect residents from tornados and storms. These shelters will accommodate up to 324 people and have water and restrooms.

These are accomplishments separate and apart from his other, normal activities as a Commissioner.  Precinct 2 needs to reelect Joel Kelton. He is good for Precinct 2 and he is good for Brown County.

Robert W. Contreras, M.Ed.

First Sergeant, USA (Ret)