Statement on proposed Hays County Hospital District

Yesterday was a clear example of why Hays County needs new leadership.

As one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, we should absolutely have an honest discussion about whether a health district could help us meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities. In fact, this is an idea I have raised in discussions with community leaders for several years. But an idea this consequential deserves to be done right, not rushed toward a vote without first doing the hard work of bringing our communities and stakeholders together.

I was a stakeholder and supporter of the creation of the hospital district in Travis County, and I saw firsthand what a thoughtful process can look like. That effort took years and brought together cities, healthcare providers, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the county and region. Hays County deserves that same level of preparation and collaboration.

As the former president of North Hays County EMS, I also understand that the healthcare challenges facing Dripping Springs are different from those facing Wimberley, Buda, San Marcos, and other parts of our county. Any countywide solution needs to reflect those differences and include the cities, first responders, community leaders, and major hospital systems already serving and investing in Hays County.

Big challenges require more than rushing toward a vote. They require vision, preparation, collaboration, and leadership that can bring people together.

As County Judge, that is how I will approach the major decisions facing Hays County: bring everyone to the table, listen to our communities, do the work, and build solutions that make sense for the entire county.

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