Editor’s note: The Permian Press reached out to the two candidates in the May 26 runoff election for Midland County Judge, Karen Hood and Jay Marquez. Each was asked the same three questions and asked to respond in 150 words or fewer. Answers are published in alphabetical order by the candidate’s last name.

The Midland County Judge presides over the Commissioners Court, which oversees the county’s $244 million budget. Early voting for the runoff begins Monday, May 18. Election Day is Tuesday, May 26.

1) What is the most important issue facing Midland County today, and what specific actions would you take to address it?

Hood: I believe water is the biggest issue facing Midland County followed by managing growth while staying financially responsible. Water issues in Midland County are not a recent problem. It’s a 40-50+ year old problem that has never been resolved, so now here we are. Right now it is primarily a taxpayer burden to find a solution.

Although short term efforts are in place, it is unlikely to be resolved using only local resources and will require greater state involvement to reach a long-term solution.

Midland County’s infrastructure is strained from growth in the Permian Basin that places added pressure on roads, public safety, and county services. The challenge is making sure government doesn’t grow faster than taxpayers can sustain, while still keeping up with real community needs.

Marquez: The most important issue facing Midland County is keeping Midland affordable while still meeting the critical needs of our growing community. Property taxes are too high, and families should feel like they own their homes, not rent them from the government.

At the same time, however, we must protect our water supply, improve roads and infrastructure, support law enforcement, and back the oil and gas industry that drives our economy. That will require focus and discipline.

As County Judge, I would focus on living within our means, increasing transparency and accountability, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on responsibly and with purpose. I also believe collaboration between local governments is critical to cutting waste, avoiding the duplication of services, and delivering results more efficiently for Midland families.

2) What is the clearest difference between you and your runoff opponent, and why does it matter to voters?

Hood: Disagreement is part of county government, and it can actually lead to better decisions if it’s handled the right way.  There’s a reason they call it a Commissioner’s Court. The 4 Commissioners and the County Judge are tasked to represent their constituents. Needs in each precinct differ so there will always be differences.

I have had the privilege to have worked under three county judges and have witnessed what type of leadership works and what doesn’t. I believe the County Judge should lead with a judicial decorum that Midland County can be proud of. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to agree on everything, it is to work together for what’s best for Midland County and keep government focused on results, not conflict.

Marquez: The clearest difference is that my campaign is focused on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and putting Midland taxpayers first. I believe government should communicate better, work together more effectively, and avoid unnecessary growth that burdens taxpayers.

Whether it’s water infrastructure, budgeting, or county projects, I believe major decisions should involve transparency and input from the people of Midland County. The people of Midland County know best because they have the most to gain and lose from the decisions of our county government.

I’ve consistently said we need to live within our means, prioritize needs over wants, and avoid growing government unless taxpayers clearly support it. That matters because Midland families are already feeling the pressure of rising property taxes. Midlanders deserve leadership that will protect their tax dollars, focus on core responsibilities like infrastructure and public safety, and make Midland a place where families want to build their future.

3) How would you apply the Republican principle of limited government in Midland County, and how would that shape your decisions?

Hood: County debt. Spending that becomes permanent, causing more tax payer burden on nonessential projects. Taxpayer burden continues to grow year after year. 7 years ago County debt was 14.5 M and has now grown to a quarter of a billion dollars.

I will work to ensure every taxpayer dollar is clearly justified by responsible spending, living within our means, and maintaining a balanced budget. County spending should remain focused on core services such as public safety, infrastructure, and essential county operations.

Marquez: Limited government means government should focus on core responsibilities, spend taxpayer dollars wisely, and avoid unnecessary expansion. As County Judge, that principle would guide every decision I make. Midland County should prioritize essential services like roads, infrastructure, public safety, and our water supply, not grow the government for its own sake.

I believe we must maintain a balanced budget and learn to live within our means. If taxpayers are asked to fund something beyond basic needs, they should have a direct voice in that decision. That’s why I’ve said local projects that fall into the category of “wants” rather than “needs” should ultimately be decided by Midland County voters, not government officials.

I also believe strong coordination between local governments can reduce waste, eliminate duplicated services, and lower costs for taxpayers.