Bay City Tribune

Local businessman Kent Pollard has announced he will run for Matagorda County Precinct 2 Commissioner in the March 2010 Democratic Primary.

"I would like to announce my candidacy for Matagorda County Precinct 2 Commissioner," said Pollard.

"Matagorda County is entering into a very exciting period in history with the expansion of the South Texas Nuclear Plant and the proposed White Stallion energy plants. We must prepare our infrastructure in order to handle the population growth these projects are expected to bring to the county. I feel I am the right person to lead Precinct 2 and Matagorda County through these challenging times."

Pollard is a 42-year resident of Bay City and Matagorda County.

He and his wife of 32 years, Mary Claire, reside in Bay City within Precinct 2. They have two children, Allyson of Houston and Mary Leigh and her husband, Brandon Caldwell of San Marcos.

Pollard graduated from Bay City High School in 1972.

He is a 1976 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor degree in finance.

Pollard feels his education coupled with his financial, agricultural and business background qualifies him for the position of county commissioner.

"Having been involved in agriculture and ranching along with the retail hardware business for over 25 years and in banking for six years prior, I have a great deal of experience in handling personnel and budgetary issues," he said

Precinct 2 is very diverse and complex due to the approximately 67 miles of coastline and the vast amount of water front property within its boundaries, notes Pollard.

"My agricultural background gives me great insight into both the drainage and road maintenance issues that exist in Precinct 2. I have been around heavy equipment most of my life, and I am certainly not scared to get my hands dirty," he said.

Pollard believes the preservation of Matagorda County's natural resources is of great importance.

"The greatest natural resource in Matagorda County is the citizens and their life style. You cannot beat it."

"In Precinct 2, the Colorado River, Caney Creek and related tributaries and Matagorda Bay system are of utmost importance. We must ensure all development associated with these resources be environmentally safe," said Pollard.

"With the current state of economy and the expected growth of Matagorda County, we need leadership with a strong financial and business background to maximize the return on your tax dollars. By working together we can always find middle ground for every problem we might encounter and achieve our goals."