In His Own Words: County Commissioner Candidate Shawn Nanny

SAN ANGELO – The candidates running for office in the May 24 GOP Runoff election in Tom Green County were asked to answer a series of questions posed by San Angelo LIVE! readers.  

The questions were submitted to San Angelo LIVE! and were condensed into 12 questions.  Those 12 questions were then sent to the candidates.  

The answers to those questions are being published as a tool to help voters decide who they want to vote for.  The Runoff election is May 24, 2022 with early voting running from May 16 to May 20.  

Shawn Nanny is a candidate for Tom Green County Commissioner Pct. 4.  

Here are the answers to the 12 questions from Nanny in his own words.

 

1.  Do you think it is important to assist the families stranded by Mineral Wells crossing to find an alternative route.  If not, is the subdivision developer responsible? 

 

Yes.  I have a plan to help facilitate an alternative route during the times that the low- water crossing is inaccessible, until funds are available to build a high-bridge at that crossing.  

 

2.  If it is illegal for the County to use County equipment and funds on private property especially roads in subdivisions, what would be your plan about accepting new and existing roads into the county inventory?

 

The policy states that the Commissioner's Court  "may adopt" new roads that are within specs and accept them into the County's inventory.  Any acceptance of roads into the County’s inventory would have to be voted on and approved by the Commissioner's Court.

3.  Are you in favor of increasing the $10 Road & Bridge fee charged on license tag renewals to increase revenue for roads?

Yes.  The $10 fee has been in place for decades, and has not been adjusted to match inflation.  Even a slight increase would substantially increase funding for the Road and Bridge Dept.

4.  Does Tom Green County own any water rights or provide water to any subdivisions?

No. However, the County does help facilitate funding for the water infrastructures for subdivisions.

5.  Would you be in favor of substantially increasing funding for Volunteer Fire Departments and where would you cut the county budget to find those funds?

I am always in favor of providing what is necessary to equip our VFDs.  These agencies are our sole line of defense in areas outside of the city limits, other than the forrest service.  These agencies are manned by volunteers who sacrifice their time and well-being to protect their neighbors.  I will work hand in hand with area VFD’s to secure funding, preferably outside funding that does not come from our taxpayer's pockets.  However, if no outside funding is available, monies must be cut from our non-essential expenditures. In this case, I would have to cut money from our County Parks.  Our VFD's are absolutely necessary.

6.  Would you consider advocating for the County to consolidate road & bridge duties with the City of San Angelo if that process was legal?

No. I feel that this would create too much confusion all the way around.  County crews need to maintain roads outside of the city limits, while City crews maintain the roads within.

7.  Are you in favor of increasing salaries immediately for Corrections Officers in the Tom Green County Jail to increase capacity and where would the funding come from?

I am in favor of increasing Correction Officer pay in order to maintain a competitive salary for that position, but if the money is not there, IT'S JUST NOT THERE.  We need to get creative and identify "perks" to attract and maintain staffing in that area.

8.  The Tom Green County Library system and the County Parks are optional expenditures; they are not mandated by state law.  Would you consider closing County parks permanently and/or substantially reducing Library services to avoid a property tax increase?

I will fight to keep both entities funded without a tax increase. In a worst-case scenario, I would substantially reduce funding for parks, and work with library leaders to determine a way to maintain services at reduced costs.

9.  Does the Commissioners Court have any specific, statutory authority to spend property tax dollars on Economic Development other than property tax abatements?  If so, please explain in detail.  

Editor's Note: Mr. Nanny did not provide an answer to this question.  

10.  What departments or services are you willing to consider cutting to meet unfunded mandates from the state or federal government?

 

As I stated in a previous answer, I don't wish to cut any departments or services.  I will work with our State leaders in order to not put us into a position to have to make that choice.

11.  What is your understanding of the role of the Commissioners Court during natural or manmade disasters in regards to emergency management?

The County Judge is the designated authority in charge of response during any natural disaster. He has guidelines in place to facilitate emergency management response.  The Commissioner's Court abides by the plan and acts as a liaison between constituents and the Judge as a line communication.

12.  Would you be in favor of voting to replace any or all of the members of the board of directors of the Tom Green County Tax Appraisal District?  Why or Why not?

No. These members are voted on and elected by various entities throughout the county, ie water departments, school boards, municipalities, etc.