With less than a month remaining before the May 26 Republican primary runoff for Kendall County Judge, candidate Ricky Gleason is taking his closing message directly to voters: Kendall County needs leadership that listens first, plans ahead, and protects the Hill Country way of life for the next generation.

Gleason, a lifelong Kendall County resident, financial advisor, and former two-term member of the Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission, advanced to the runoff against incumbent Shane Stolarczyk after the March 3 primary. In a three-way Republican race, Gleason earned 3,979 votes, or 40.94 percent, while no candidate cleared the 50 percent majority required for an outright win. Because no Democrat filed, the runoff winner will run unopposed in November and become Kendall County's next County Judge.

"This race is about the next 50 years of Kendall County, not just the next four," Gleason said. "The voters I meet every day want a county government that works with them, not against them. That is the kind of leadership I am committed to bringing to the courthouse."

A "CEO Mindset" for County Government

Gleason has built his campaign around what he calls a "CEO mindset" rooted in servant leadership, drawing on more than a decade of experience as a financial planner and business consultant. He currently serves as a partner and financial advisor at Prime Capital Financial and is a co-founder of Forge Business Brokerage, where he advises local owners on succession and exit planning.

"In Texas, the County Judge is effectively the CEO of the county," Gleason said. "That role calls for someone who builds consensus, manages a budget responsibly, plans for what is coming, and respects the people who pay the bills. I am a big believer in not being the smartest guy in the room. Strong leadership listens first, collaborates second, and acts with integrity always."

A Three-Horizon Plan for Growth, Water, and Public Safety

Earlier in the campaign, Gleason introduced a three-horizon planning framework designed to give Kendall County a clearer path through the rapid growth pressing in from the Texas Triangle and the Interstate 10 corridor. The framework organizes county priorities into three actionable phases:

• 0 to 3 years: Operational fixes. Address immediate safety, mobility, and emergency response needs based on verified conditions, without piling on unnecessary regulation.
• 3 to 10 years: Capital alignment. Sequence infrastructure investments, especially where mobility and water intersect, to prevent costly taxpayer mistakes.
• 10 years and beyond: Long-term stewardship. Protect water resources, property rights, and the rural character that define Kendall County.

The plan reflects Gleason's view that water is the single greatest long-term challenge facing the county. He has called for proactive collaboration with neighboring Hill Country counties through the Priority Groundwater Management Area, arguing that water systems, flood risk, and transportation networks do not stop at county lines.

He has also made support for first responders a centerpiece of the campaign, pledging to bolster volunteer fire departments and EMS teams that he describes as "the backbone of public safety in Kendall County."

Roots in the Community

Raised in Kendall County, Gleason grew up riding his horse to town, working at the county fairgrounds, tossing pizzas at Naples Pizza Kitchen, and playing football for Boerne High School. He started his career as a bank teller and worked his way up to banker and financial advisor before returning to his hometown to raise his family.

Beyond his professional work, Gleason has served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Kendall County, the 100 Club of Kendall County, and The Centurions of Kendall County, and as president of the board of Hope for Heroes. He and his family are active members of First Baptist Church in Boerne.

"Kendall County is where I grew up, and it is where my wife and I are raising our kids," Gleason said. "I am running to make sure this is still a place they are proud to call home."

Key Voter Information

The Republican primary runoff for Kendall County Judge will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Early voting runs Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. Kendall County participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program, allowing any registered voter to cast a ballot at any open vote center.

A candidate forum between Gleason and Stolarczyk is scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. at Comfort Lobby Coffee Shop.

Voters can find polling locations, sample ballots, and additional information through the Kendall County Elections Office.

About Ricky Gleason

Ricky Gleason is a candidate for Kendall County Judge, a Boerne High School graduate, and a lifelong Kendall County resident. He is a partner and financial advisor at Prime Capital Financial, a certified exit planning advisor, and a co-founder of Forge Business Brokerage. He previously served two terms on the Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission. His campaign focuses on collaborative leadership, emergency preparedness, fiscal responsibility, and long-term strategic planning that protects property rights, water resources, and the rural character of Kendall County.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.rickygleason.com or follow Ricky Gleason for Kendall County Judge on Facebook.

Media Contact: Ricky Gleason Phone: (210) 373-6838 Email: Email Contact Website: www.rickygleason.com

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Ricky Gleason, candidate for Kendall County Judge, is calling on residents to make their voices heard in the upcoming primary election by voting early from February 17–27, 2026.

A Call to Vote: Your Voice in Local Government
Gleason stressed that local elections - particularly for County Judge -directly impact community safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.

“If you’re not voting in the primary, you are losing your choices,” Gleason said in a recent episod of The Building Texas Show. “By November, the choice has already been made for you. Our generation needs to get involved, it’s time.”

Early voting runs February 17–27, with Election Day on March 3. Residents can find polling locations and details at the Kendall County Elections Office website.

Priorities: Collaboration, Preparedness & Strategic Planning
A financial planner and former Bernie Planning & Zoning Commission member, Gleason emphasized:

• Collaborative Leadership: Building stronger partnerships between the county, cities, schools, and nonprofits.
• Emergency Readiness: Enhancing flood and wildfire response through coordinated planning and volunteer fire support.
• Long-Term Vision: Developing a county-wide strategic plan to guide growth while protecting property rights and natural resources like the Guadalupe River.

Why County Leadership Matters
The County Judge serves as the county’s CEO, overseeing budgets, emergency management, and interlocal agreements. Gleason, a Bernie High School graduate who returned to raise his family locally, framed the role as one of service:

“It’s about taking care of people and helping them realize their dreams," Gleason added. "We need leadership that listens, plans, and brings people together.”

Voting Information & Resources:

• Early Voting: February 17–27, 2026
• Election Day: March 3, 2026
• Polling Locations & Details: Kendall County Current Election Information

To hear more about Gleason's vision for Kendall county, watch the full interview on The Building Texas Show:
Why the Kendall County Judge Matters | Candidate Ricky Gleason on Budget, Growth & Service

Learn More About Ricky Gleason:
Visit rickygleason.com for platform details and voter resources.

About Ricky Gleason for Kendall County Judge:
Ricky Gleason is a lifelong Kendall County resident, financial planner, and dedicated community advocate running for Kendall County Judge. A graduate of Boerne High School who returned to raise his family in the Hill Country, Gleason brings over a decade of experience in financial strategy, nonprofit board service, and local governance—including two terms on the Boerne Planning & Zoning Commission. His campaign focuses on collaborative leadership, emergency preparedness, and long-term strategic planning to manage growth while protecting property rights, water resources, and the rural character of Kendall County. Committed to service over politics, Gleason aims to bring transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community-centered decision-making to the Commissioner’s Court.

Media Contact:
Ricky Gleason
Website: www.rickygleason.com
Email: Email Contact

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BOERNE, Texas – Ricky Gleason, candidate for Kendall County Judge, today unveiled a practical, three-horizon planning framework designed to guide the county’s growth while respecting property rights and ensuring transparency. The approach emphasizes structured, ongoing collaboration over reactive or top-down mandates.

“Planning only matters if it guides how we prioritize resources and taxpayer dollars,” Gleason added. “The goal is clarity, coordination, and decisions that respect property rights and protect our quality of life.”

A Framework Built for Clarity & Action
Gleason’s model organizes planning into three actionable phases:

• 0–3 Years: Operational Fixes – Address immediate safety, mobility, and emergency response needs based on verified conditions, avoiding unnecessary regulation.
• 3–10 Years: Capital Alignment – Sequence infrastructure investments—especially where mobility and water intersect—to prevent costly taxpayer mistakes.
• 10–25 Years: Scenario Planning – Engage citizens in shaping long-range water sustainability and growth patterns through input-driven, flexible guidance.

“Good planning isn’t about controlling land or telling people what they can’t do,” said Gleason. “It’s about structuring a process that protects property rights while ensuring growth, infrastructure, and public safety are handled responsibly.”

Planning as a Tool, Not a Control
Central to Gleason’s approach is using planning to guide - not dictate - outcomes. By engaging landowners early during subdivision or project proposals, the county can collaborate on solutions rather than resorting to reactive measures like eminent domain.

“The county should not be in the business of taking land or dictating outcomes,” Gleason emphasized. “Our best planning opportunities happen early, working with property owners to avoid heavy-handed solutions later.”

Local Leadership Before Regional Partnership
Gleason stressed that Kendall County must lead its own planning efforts before engaging regional or state partners. “If we don’t come to the table with our own plan, someone else will plan for us,” he said. “Residents want leadership that does the work locally first, then partners regionally to support that vision.”

Why This Matters for Kendall County
With rapid growth straining roads, water resources, and emergency services, Gleason’s framework aims to replace short-term fixes with a coordinated, long-term strategy that:

• Protects property rights and reduces regulatory overreach.
• Involves citizens, first responders, and experts in decision-making.
• Aligns infrastructure spending with realistic growth projections.
• Safeguards water sustainability and rural character.

About Ricky Gleason:
Ricky Gleason is a candidate for Kendall County Judge focused on transparent, resident-first governance. His campaign emphasizes practical planning, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the community’s quality of life through collaboration and foresight.

Media Contact:
Ricky Gleason
Email Contact
https://www.rickygleason.com/

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As Kendall County faces intensifying growth and public safety challenges, County Judge candidate Ricky Gleason is advocating for a fundamental shift in leadership—one that listens to residents first and treats county government as a partner, not an adversary.

Gleason points to Comfort Vision 2050, a community-crafted roadmap developed by Comfort residents, as proof that collaborative, ground-up planning works. The plan, created across generations and professions, highlights decentralized decision-making, transparency, and coordination, principles Gleason says must guide county governance.

“At its best, county government should be a partner to its citizens—not an adversary,” said Gleason. “The County Judge sets the tone. That tone should bring people together, not push them apart.”

Listening as Leadership
Gleason’s platform centers on proactive listening to residents, first responders, businesses, school districts, and municipalities. He believes leadership is about creating conditions where local ideas can thrive, especially in critical areas like:

• Road & Bridge Planning: Coordinated, long-term infrastructure strategy.
• Emergency Management: Unified response to flash floods and wildfire risks.
• Fire & EMS Services: Strengthening volunteer capacity and interagency trust.
• Economic Development: Fostering growth that preserves community character.

Why It Matters Now
Kendall County lacks a unified strategic vision, even as pressures from growth, environmental hazards, and strained infrastructure increase. Gleason argues that the County Judge must convene voices, align partners, and ensure innovation happens with the people, not to them.

“Leadership starts with service,” Gleason added. “It means listening first, communicating clearly, and remembering that authority exists to help people succeed - not to control them.”

A Blueprint from Comfort
While Comfort Vision 2050 is not a county plan, Gleason sees it as a “proof of concept” for engaged, resident-led planning. The process demonstrated that when invited into the conversation, citizens willingly define shared priorities and practical solutions.

“A unified county is a stronger county,” Gleason stated. “When government works alongside its people, we solve problems faster, make better decisions, and preserve what makes Kendall County special.”

About Ricky Gleason:
Ricky Gleason is a candidate for Kendall County Judge focused on transparent, resident-first governance. His campaign emphasizes listening, coordination, and practical solutions to growth and public safety challenges.

Media Contact:

Ricky Gleason
Email Contact

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Ricky Gleason, a local financial advisor, business consultant, and former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, has officially launched his campaign for Kendall County Judge. Rooted in a lifelong connection to the community, Gleason’s candidacy centers on a "servant leadership" philosophy that views the office not as a position of power, but as a platform for stewardship and advocacy.

Gleason, a Boerne High School graduate who "boomeranged" back to his hometown to raise his family, believes the county is at a critical juncture. With the Texas Triangle growth pressing into the Hill Country, he argues that the role of County Judge—effectively the CEO of the county—requires a leader who listens first and collaborates always.

“Kendall County deserves thoughtful leadership—leadership at its core that serves and guides, not controls,” said Gleason. “The role of local government should be to advocate for its citizens, not act as an adversary. Success isn't measured by how much power the court holds, but by how well it creates an environment where families and businesses can thrive.”

A Strategic Vision for Growth and Resources

Drawing on his professional background in financial planning and business consulting, Gleason emphasizes the need for a collaborative, long-term strategic vision to address the county's most pressing challenges:

• Proactive Infrastructure: Moving beyond reactive fixes to 10- and 20-year planning for roads and public safety, ensuring the county stays ahead of growth rather than being overwhelmed by it.

• Water Stewardship: Recognizing that "water doesn't care about county lines," Gleason advocates for regional partnerships with neighboring Hill Country counties to protect vital natural resources.

• Support for First Responders: A longtime advocate for emergency services, Gleason aims to bolster the volunteer fire departments and EMS teams that serve as the county’s backbone.

• Respect for Heritage: Balancing necessary growth with a deep respect for property rights and the rural heritage that defines Kendall County.

Leading with Humility

For Gleason, the decision to run was a deeply personal one, made alongside his wife after years of feeling a call to service. His leadership style is defined by humility and the recognition that the best solutions come from the community itself.

“I’m a big fan of not being the smartest guy in the room,” Gleason noted. “Strong leadership listens first, collaborates second, and acts with integrity always. My job is to bring the experts and the citizens together to find creative solutions that protect our quality of life for the next 50 years.”

Vote in the Primary

Gleason is urging all residents to take an active role in the upcoming election cycle, noting that local decisions made at the primary level often have the most direct impact on daily life.

Early voting begins February 23, with the Primary Election held on March 3.

“Good government doesn’t dictate outcomes; it guides the community toward success,” Gleason said. “I am running to ensure that every resident feels their local government is working with them, not against them.”

About Ricky Gleason

Ricky Gleason is a financial advisor and consultant with extensive experience in municipal planning and nonprofit leadership. A devoted husband and father, he is committed to preserving the heritage of Kendall County while building a sustainable future for the next generation.

Contact

Ricky Gleason
Email: Email Contact
Phone: 210-373-6838

To learn more about the campaign or to get involved, visit www.rickygleason.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at Ricky Gleason for Kendall County Judge.

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Ricky Gleason has announced his candidacy for Kendall County Judge, focusing on the protection of property rights and the need for responsible growth in the community. With a commitment to transparency and integrity, Gleason aims to address the pressures faced by families in Kendall County due to growth and regulatory decisions made without resident input.

One of the biggest responsibilities we have as Texans is defending a principle our state was built on: your land is your land. Not the government’s. Not a developer’s. Not a special interest group’s. Yours.

"Right now, families across Kendall County are facing more pressure than ever — pressure from growth, pressure from regulations, pressure from decisions made without the people who actually live here," says candidate Ricky Gleason.

As a trusted leader and financial advisor in the Boerne community for nearly two decades, Ricky Gleason is known for his integrity and commitment to doing what’s right. His campaign for Kendall County Judge is grounded in faith, family values, and a strong sense of community service, emphasizing the principles of God, Family, Kendall County.

Gleason's vision for Kendall County includes a future where growth is mindful and intentional, protecting the county's unique character while fostering opportunities for future generations. His leadership will focus on balancing progress with preservation, ensuring the Hill Country remains a place where families can live, work, and thrive.

Ricky Gleason believes leadership starts with integrity, transparency, and service to the people. His commitment to accountable leadership means ensuring every decision reflects the best interests of the community—today and for generations to come.

Key tenets of Gleason's campaign include:

Transparency in Decision-Making: Ricky will keep county business open and accessible, communicating clearly about policies, budgets, and priorities so residents stay informed and involved.

Fiscal Responsibility: Every taxpayer dollar matters. Ricky is committed to responsible budgeting, regular audits, and smart investments that strengthen Kendall County without waste.

Ethical and Principled Leadership: He believes in doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. Integrity and fairness will guide every decision made under his leadership.

Open Communication: Ricky values the voice of the people. He will remain accessible, holding regular community meetings and listening sessions to ensure every citizen is heard.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Building partnerships with local leaders, law enforcement, educators, and small businesses is key to lasting progress. Ricky will unite, not divide, to find practical solutions.

Mindful Growth: Ricky’s approach to growth is rooted in balance—protecting our Hill Country charm, natural resources, and quality of life while preparing responsibly for the future.

Accountability Through Results: Promises will be backed by measurable outcomes. Ricky will set clear goals, share progress openly, and take responsibility when adjustments are needed.

Media Contact:

Ricky Gleason
Email: Email Contact
Phone: 210-373-6838

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