The Texas Panhandle stands at a crossroads. Our economy, long rooted in oil and gas, ranching, and agriculture, is now being pulled toward a technology‑driven future. That shift brings real opportunity, but also real risk. Navigating it well requires leadership that understands both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.
My background is uniquely suited to this moment. I grew up in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia, then studied engineering and management at Georgia Tech and MIT. I’ve taught high school Algebra and Computer Programming, as well as college Physics. I spent my career working in computer systems and artificial intelligence at Hewlett‑Packard. Along the way, I also became a commercial pilot with instrument and multi‑engine ratings.
That experience has led me here, to Gray County, and to the wonderful, welcoming people who call this place home.
Although our family has roots in Pampa going back to 1922, we didn’t come here because of history. We came because of a calling. My wife and I felt led to serve in Pampa, and in time we felt that same calling to step forward and run for county judge.
I don’t see this as a job you take for the paycheck. I’m running because I feel a call to serve the people of this county. We could have stayed where we were or moved anywhere else, but we uprooted our comfortable life, sold our long‑term home, and came to Gray County because we believed this is where we were meant to serve.
For the past couple of years, I’ve done what I can to support the vision that Monica Galloway and the Pampa Pregnancy Center have carried for so long—a home for young women who choose to keep their unborn babies instead of killing them. Construction on that home finally began this January, and by summer we hope to see it finished and serving the young ladies it was created to help. It will be an incredible blessing for Pampa.
If you haven’t met Monica and the dedicated women at the Pregnancy Center, I encourage you to reach out and learn about their mission. Their work is changing lives in our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside them.
My background is technical, analytical, and grounded in problem‑solving — exactly what this moment in Gray County calls for. Years of working with complex systems have taught me to think critically, ask the right questions, and follow the facts wherever they lead. When you work in fields governed by the laws of physics, you learn quickly that wishful thinking doesn’t solve problems; clear information and sound reasoning do.
In recent months, citizens have not been given sufficient information to understand major decisions with that same level of rigor. Transparency is not a luxury — it is the foundation of good decision‑making. When key details are withheld, the community is prevented from applying its own judgment and expertise.
I will deliver leadership that welcomes scrutiny, values clarity, and is committed to honest, fact‑based analysis.
My guiding principle is simple: do what works. And if something isn’t working, do something different. Thomas Edison was once challenged about his many unsuccessful attempts to create a working light bulb. He didn’t see them as failures; he said he had “not failed,” but had “found several thousand ways that wouldn’t work.” That mindset—treating each setback as progress—is what ultimately led him to success.
I try to approach challenges the same way: keep learning, keep adjusting, keep moving. Progress doesn’t always come quickly, but it does come to those who refuse to quit. Edison eventually found the light bulb. I expect to find a way forward for Gray County.
The next step is to focus on the work Gray County needs now. These ideas are not abstract—they come directly from what I’ve observed and from what citizens have shared with me. Now that the data center is on its way, I will work to ensure it becomes an asset for the county, not a burden.
Many companies are expanding in Texas—Apple’s recent announcement of a major move to Austin is one more example. It is reasonable to explore whether Google would consider expanding meaningful operations here as well. They have already chosen Gray County for a data center, and I will use that decision as a starting point for further engagement.
Less than 500 miles from the largest tech hub in Texas,—Austin—Gray County has far more to offer than land, electricity, water, and fiber‑optic connectivity. Our airport provides convenient access for business travel and logistics. As a pilot, I can maximize that asset in ways that directly benefit the companies who rely on it. The county also has existing infrastructure—buildings, industrial sites, and facilities—that could be renovated to support a growing tech presence. Under my leadership, Gray County can position itself as a practical alternative for companies seeking room to expand.
But Gray County’s strengths go beyond infrastructure and logistics—they extend to education, workforce development, and quality of life. Our schools are making major investments in their infrastructure, with more building on the way, and partnerships with companies like Google could accelerate improvements in technology, training, and opportunities for students. And unlike Austin, which is now one of the most expensive places in Texas, Gray County remains one of the most affordable. That difference matters for companies and for employees looking for a sustainable cost of living. Taken together, these factors give Gray County a credible foundation for attracting meaningful economic development, and my experience in technology gives me a practical understanding of what these facilities require and how Gray County can position itself to benefit.
For many residents, communicating with the county commissioners has been difficult. People on both sides of the data‑center issue spoke at meeting after meeting, but the concerns raised—often expressed in large numbers and through formal petitions—were not reflected in the final decision. With only three minutes to speak, citizens could share a concern but not the fuller context behind it, often leading them to feel their voices were set aside.
Since that process was ineffective, I chose a different path: running for county judge. If voters decide that isn’t the right way for me to serve, I will keep looking for another one. Gray County matters deeply to me, and I am committed to doing what works for the people who live here.
I listen to citizens because I want to understand their experiences and priorities, not because I have to. Some major decisions in Gray County have moved forward with data and explanations that many residents found unconvincing or incomplete, leaving them feeling their concerns were ignored in the process. It’s a reminder that Gray County needs a more open, responsive way of making decisions—one where people know their voices matter.
In my career, I worked under the Hewlett‑Packard “open door” policy, where anyone who saw an issue that needed attention could bring it directly to any manager, all the way to the top. That approach builds trust, improves decisions, and ensures problems are addressed before they grow. County government is better served when leaders make themselves accessible and responsive to the people they represent, and I intend to uphold that standard.
Gray County has faced challenges in how major decisions are made and communicated. When decisions move forward without sufficient transparency, planning, or meaningful public input, the community often bears the cost—both financially and in quality of life. Infrastructure can be pushed beyond its limits, public safety can be stretched thin, and tax incentives can be granted without a clear return for the people who actually live here. The pattern is familiar: residents shoulder more of the burden while receiving less in return.
Good leadership safeguards both people and resources. It anticipates challenges rather than reacting to them, and it treats taxpayer money as a responsibility, not a convenience. Gray County deserves that level of stewardship.
A key part of the problem has been a reluctance to reassess decisions when concerns arise or conditions change. That hesitation to adapt connects many of the issues raised throughout my platform. Gray County deserves a government that is genuinely accessible to the people it serves. When residents can’t follow the decision‑making process or offer meaningful input, they’re left without a real voice in the outcomes that affect their lives. That isn’t how accountable government should function.
County meetings should be structured so working people can participate—held at times that fit real schedules, live‑streamed as city meetings already are, and supported by modern technology so interested residents across the county can stay informed. Communication should be clear and responsive, not limited to brief comments during business‑hour meetings.
Residents deserve to know that when they speak up, their inputwill be taken seriously. That includes petitions. When hundreds of people sign their names to a concern, the focus should be on what they’re saying—not on technicalities about format or presentation. The right to petition the government is fundamental, and county government should welcome that kind of engagement rather than look for reasons to set it aside.
We need better ways to understand the sense of the county. Internet polls are unreliable, and elections are expensive, but there are practical approaches that respect Texas’ open‑meetings laws while still giving residents meaningful ways to be heard.
The commissioners’ first responsibility is to the people of Gray County, and every major decision should reflect that obligation.
That brings us back to my basic philosophy: do what works. Gray County will soon host a massive facility using local resources, paving over farmland and playas, and imposing long‑term obligations on the county while contributing less in taxes than comparable developments. Now that the contract is signed, the county’s focus must be on active oversight and clear expectations to ensure the facility strengthens Gray County rather than creating new burdens. Protecting taxpayers means no more corporate welfare and ensuring Google contributes to our community now, not years down the road. That doesn’t work for the people who live here. Property taxes in Gray County are already among the highest in the nation, even higher than in some states known for high tax burdens. One practical way to ease that pressure is to broaden the tax base so more properties share the load. That opportunity was set aside when Google received such extensive tax relief.
The commissioners are responsible for the roads in their precincts, and that responsibility cannot be passed on to a wealthy corporation at the expense of local residents. While the county judge does not directly manage roads, the judge works with the commissioners to ensure that our infrastructure is protected and that development does not create long‑term burdens for taxpayers.
Local knowledge matters. Decisions made by executives far from Gray County often overlook the realities of our land. A playa lake may look small or insignificant to someone unfamiliar with this region, but it serves an essential environmental purpose. Our playas are not empty spaces waiting for development. They are part of the natural system that sustains the High Plains, and they deserve the same respect and protection as other critical resources.
The data center will bring a significant influx of workers and contractors into Gray County, and that will increase demands on law enforcement, the courts, emergency services, and county infrastructure. Public safety must remain a top priority, yet the county cannot absorb these additional burdens without adequate support. County Roads B and 21 are already experiencing accelerated wear and tear from the steady flow of semis traveling to and from the site, and the cost of repairs will fall to local taxpayers unless other arrangements are made.
Essential services — law enforcement, fire protection, medical response, and emergency management — were designed for the county’s existing population. A sudden influx of thousands of workers inevitably increases demand on these systems, and when resources remain constant while needs grow, response times lengthen and risks rise. Public safety is particularly affected.
Increases in population commonly lead to increases in theft and other crime, yet the sheriff’s office has not received additional funding to handle the expanding workload. With the county already at its maximum tax rate, there is no remaining capacity to strengthen law enforcement, emergency services, medical response, road repair, or the courts during this period of heightened demand unless you, the voters, choose to raise your property taxes to pay for it.
During construction, the project does not generate additional tax revenue to offset its impact, leaving the county to manage major new demands without new resources. County services do not simply “absorb” this strain — they slow down, fall behind, or fail altogether. Traffic management takes longer, response times increase, and some emergencies cannot be handled immediately when our volunteer fire departments are stretched beyond their limits, even with the city fire department providing backup support.
The jail is already over capacity, with some inmates housed in neighboring counties; all additional prisoners must be sent elsewhere at unplanned cost or released early. Because no funding was negotiated during the data‑center and solar‑construction agreements, the county must shoulder these burdens alone.
A near‑doubling of population can produce a 50% to 100% increase in antisocial behavior, impaired or dangerous driving, drug activity, and property crime, depending on the demographics of incoming workers, alcohol and drug availability, housing conditions, and law‑enforcement staffing. When violent crimes or major accidents occur, they receive top priority — pushing lower‑priority calls such as theft, drug use, non‑injury traffic violations, and property‑damage reports to the bottom of the list. In a system already stretched thin, residents must as themselves: where will our needs fall on that list when resources run short?
You cannot address these issues if you don’t recognize they exist or take steps to respond to them. Construction is already increasing pressure on law enforcement, emergency services, roads, and the courts, yet I have not seen any additional funding approved for these providers at the commissioners’ meetings I’ve attended.
These issues rose to the top of my list immediately, and I am committed to addressing them — even when the solutions require time, planning, and cooperation to put in place. These pressures also affect the county judge, who will face additional misdemeanor cases.
These challenges reflect the broader consequences of moving forward without transparency, planning, or a clear strategy for managing the effects of rapid, large‑scale development. Companies benefiting from major projects should contribute their fair share, not rely on tax abatements that shift the cost onto local residents. I will work with Google and its contractors to ensure they take responsibility for the impact their workforce has on county services and finances. Protecting taxpayers means ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of public safety or county resources.
I live by the principle that leadership begins with the small things—honesty, consistency, follow‑through, and respect for the people you serve. “He who is faithful in little is faithful also in much.” When those foundations are strong, larger responsibilities can be carried with integrity. I strive to be faithful in the responsibilities before me, one step at a time, with God’s leading.
Our current judge is a good man, well‑known and liked by many. Some in Pampa have known him for decades — even taught him in school. But this election requires looking beyond long‑standing friendships and asking what the county needs for the next four years. Pray about it, and follow where God leads. I’ve had to do that myself, even when it meant accepting outcomes I didn’t want. Those moments weren’t easy, but they taught me that God can use difficult decisions to move us in the direction we’re meant to go.
As written, the agreement allows Google to delay tax contributions until the project goes online, when its scheduled payments begin. The commissioners’ court approved that structure, and Google has no reason to revisit it unless the county asks for a different approach. Large companies pay attention to the direction a community chooses. Electing a county judge focused on strengthening this partnership is the clearest way to show that Gray County wants stronger support during construction and in the years that follow.
The judge’s seat is decided only once every four years, and this is your opportunity to shape the next four. If you’re satisfied with the direction things have been going, you can continue on the same path. If you believe it’s time for a different approach, this is the moment to make that choice. Leadership determines outcomes, and a change in leadership brings a change in direction. Good governance isn’t complicated — it’s choosing the right course and staying with it, even when no one is watching.
Thank you for the conversations, the questions, and the honesty you’ve shared with me throughout this campaign. I’m also the first to admit I’m not great with names, so I hope you’ll be patient with me and offer a friendly reminder when needed. I’ve been meeting hundreds of you, and I’m grateful for every conversation.
As county judge, I will work to ensure the data center and solar projects strengthen Gray County rather than placing new burdens on it. Protecting taxpayers means ending corporate welfare and encouraging Google to contribute to our community now, not years down the road. Google pays attention to the direction a community chooses, and your vote will show the expectations you have for this partnership.
Accessibility is the foundation of accountability — if people can’t reach their government, their only option is to hold it accountable at the ballot box. That opportunity comes on March 3 in the Republican primary. Make your voice heard, participate in the process, and help set the direction for Gray County’s future.
