Kirkpatrick Announced Candidacy for County Judge

GRAND SALINE—DON KIRKPATRICK, Republican and lifelong resident of Van Zandt County, announces his candidacy for re-election in the 2018 Republican Primary for Van Zandt County Judge. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for electing me in 2014 to serve as your Van Zandt County Judge. It truly has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of our county.” As the county’s Chief Financial Officer, the County Judge is responsible for proposing the county budget, approving all purchasing orders, and presiding over the Commissioners Court and County Court,” said Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick stated, “When I campaigned for County Judge the first time, I pledged to the citizens that I would fight for small town family values and fiscal conservative principles. Unlike many politicians today, I am a man of my word.”

Prior to being elected County Judge, Van Zandt County was millions of dollars in debt. “This was due, in part, to lack of leadership and poor decision making,” answered Kirkpatrick. “Since taking office, it has been an honor to lead the charge in finding solutions to fix our county’s problems. I have utilized my leadership skills and ability to work with others to reduce the county debt from $8.7 million dollars to $3.9 million dollars at the end of FY2018. I have also fought to cut wasteful spending, voted twice against raising taxes, and helped to uncover corruption by an elected official,” stated Kirkpatrick.

Another pledge Kirkpatrick made was to help protect our families by reducing crime within our county. Kirkpatrick explained, “As your County Judge and a former Justice of the Peace, I have made it a priority to support law enforcement and jail operations. In conjunction with the Commissioners Court, I have supported increasing the sheriff’s office budget with thousands of new dollars to purchase new equipment and add new personnel to staff the jail and patrol the county.”

In conclusion, Kirkpatrick states, “As you can see, our county was headed in the wrong direction and I have laid a solid foundation to get us back on course. But, I cannot do it alone! I need your prayers, support, and vote to send me back to the Commissioners Court to continue the fight for transparency, helping reduce taxes, and eliminating the debt once and for all. Please vote for Conservative Don Kirkpatrick for Van Zandt County Judge in the Republican Primary Election on Tuesday, March 6th, 2018.