CANDIDATE PROFILE: Hoppy Haden

EDITOR’S NOTE: Profiles submitted in candidates’ own words. Only statements sent to the Post-Register were included. Statements may have been edited for style, but not for substance. Ken Schawe (R) and Alfredo Munoz (D) did not submit profiles. Other local races will run in future editions as space permits.

Hello, my name is Hoppy Haden and after much deliberation and consultation with my wife, Linda, and the rest of our family, I have decided to run as a Republican candidate for Caldwell County Judge. I have served Caldwell County as County Commissioner PCT1 for the past year; however I was constitutionally required to resign this position in order to run for the position of Caldwell County Judge.
I have proven, through my service as County Commissioner, that I will lead the county with a strong sense of ethics, honesty and integrity. I have also gained a good working knowledge of how county government operates and the need for a leader to develop strong working relationships with other elected officials and department heads.
While serving as Commissioner PCT 1, I accomplished many of my goals during the first year. I served on the development ordinance committee and electronic time keeping committee. Both of these committees accomplished their goals of strengthening county ordinances and streamlining the time keeping and benefits process tracking in our County. I also served and chaired the Host Agreement Advisory Committee, and worked diligently to try to negotiate a host agreement with the owners of the proposed landfill project, to strengthen the environmental monitoring associated with the landfill project and obtain other benefits for County residents. Additionally, I worked with TxDOT to help procure $18 million to widen Highway 21 between Bastrop and Elgin.
Our County is on the verge of experiencing an unprecedented time of growth. I am running for County Judge because I believe our County needs leaders who embrace growth and have the knowledge and experience to serve the citizens of our county and direct the business of the county in a positive direction. As Commissioner, I worked closely with the LEDC, Greater San Marcos Partnership, and City Leadership and LISD leadership to help attract $18 million in new business investment in Caldwell County that created nearly 200 new jobs in 2017.
My wife and I have lived in Caldwell County for 22 years and raised five children here. All of our kids graduated from Lockhart High School and went on to earn Bachelor’s degrees from state universities. I believe strongly in giving back to the community through service. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, and am an active member of Kiwanis Club. I am Chairman of the Chisholm Trail Rodeo and former president of the Lockhart Little League.
My wife and I own and operate Clear Creek, Inc. Construction, Environmental and Farm and Ranch Services, which has been in business since 2008. I have extensive experience in residential and commercial construction as well as 32 years of experience in the Environmental Industry.
We will be facing infrastructure challenges which will include roads, sewer and water supply issues. I believe my background in construction and environmental issues makes me uniquely qualified to help manage the challenges that will be faced by our county in the future.
I promise to lead Caldwell County with integrity, honesty and ethics and I humbly ask you for your vote.