The Seguin Daily News is highlighting the two local candidates appearing in today’s May 28th Republican Primary Runoff ballot. The candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 1. Each candidate was asked to respond to the following questions. At the end, each candidate was also given the opportunity to ask their own question to their opponent. See their responses below. Responses can also be heard today on AM 1580 KWED or online at SeguinToday.com.
Candidate: Jacqueline “Jackie” Ott
This started as a very crowded field. Now that the field has been narrowed to two, the choices should be clearer to voters. What makes you the right choice?
“I am the only candidate who is uniquely experienced in the multiple areas that encompass the commissioner role. I served for years as an attorney for the county and am familiar with our county departments from the inside already. I know what we can do to help them stay successful and intend to have great working relationships with all of them. I am also the only candidate who has served in a law enforcement capacity and truly understands the resources necessary to ensure they can do their job to keep us safe. It would be much more difficult to have that level of understanding without having experienced it on a daily basis. I am currently a business, property and real estate attorney who deals with cases about construction, building, purchase, and sales, including contracts and compliance during the process. I also have a business degree from Texas A&M University, have experience making decisions in a court room setting, and our family business does road work construction. I prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility, education, and quality roads for our citizens, and I have the skill set to make it happen. My experience as an attorney for Guadalupe County and public servant has shown me firsthand how impactful the decisions of Commissioners Court are for the community’s livelihood. I truly care about this community and representing the citizens!”
What do you think the key differences are between you and your opponent?
“My relevant work experience and education, and not having a family member already on Commissioners Court are the key differences between myself and my opponent.
My business degree and law degree are both directly applicable to this position. I ran the Child Protective Services abuse prevention and response program in Guadalupe County with great success and plan to do the same in this position. Communication with other agencies, listening to the citizens, and anticipating future obstacles with a forward thinking approach are essential. I currently practice business, real estate, and property law, and can hit the ground running on issues we face regarding purchase and sale transactions, projects within the county, and legality specifics. In addition, I am familiar with the county departments, and am able to accurately equip them with the resources they need, having worked with them personally. I have worked closely with police officers to keep criminals off the streets and better the safety of the community. From my firsthand experience prosecuting criminals, I have the knowledge and experience to ensure that our law enforcement has the manpower, resources, and technology to keep us safe. Commissioners Court decides how all of the County taxpayer money is spent, and is done so by majority vote. There are 5 total votes, making 3 the majority. My opponent has a family member with the same last name already serving on Commissioners Court in the neighboring precinct.
This is by no means meant to be a criticism of anyone individually. However, the appearance of family members serving on a court together is concerning when our County does business with other government entities, private citizens, and outside companies. Our Commissioners Court must maintain the practice and presentation of fairness and equity.”
Both candidates in this race have received endorsem*nts. Why do you think this endorsem*nt should matter to voters in your precinct?
“My endorsem*nt from Clint Taft is significant because we both ran for this position in the primary. The fact that he chose to publicly support me after becoming more familiar with the candidates both as people and through their plan to serve the community proves that he has faith in who I am and what I am going to do for the citizens. It is a wonderful example of how people can get along when running against each other, be friendly, and show each other respect. My endorsem*nts from the only two women who have ever served as Guadalupe County Commissioners matter because they both have experience on Commissioners Court, have each watched over our community for years, and chose to support me because they believe I will do what is best for the values we share. I presented my platform to both ladies, and after detailed discussion, I earned their support. We were not personal friends prior, nor are we family members. My opponent has family who have endorsed him and/or are currently serving on Commissioners Court. No government entity should have disproportionate power held by one family or group of family members. I certainly, understand that family members would support each other, but what is best for the community as a whole is what matters in this election. We need a Commissioners Court that will be fair and impartial both in practice and by appearance outwardly.”
Candidate: Dusin Engelke
This started as a very crowded field. Now that the field has been narrowed to two, the choices should be clearer to voters. What makes you the right choice?
“There are many reasons why I am the right choice to be the next Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1. I currently work in the oil and gas industry managing multi-million-dollar accounts. I am tasked with trouble shooting and resolving customer issues, tackling environmental obstacles, and managing internal and external budgets. I provide infrastructure solutions to maximize profits, all while optimizing inefficiencies to establish a healthy bottom line. There is a direct correlation between my current position and the duties of county commissioners. I will utilize these skills to ensure the county is properly managed and taxpayers’ money is allocated efficiently. When elected, I will leave my full-time position to focus solely on commissioning for the county. Towards the beginning of the campaign season, each of the five candidates in my race seeking the Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1 nomination interviewed individually with a nonbiased panel of the Four Rivers Association of Realtors in hopes of earning their endorsem*nt. After a full and thorough interview process, TREPAC (Texas REALTORS Political Action Committee) chose me, Dustin Engelke, to endorse and support as the highest qualified candidate seeking the Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1 nomination. In addition, I am the candidate endorsed by our current Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1, Greg Seidenberger. Greg Seidenberger’s endorsem*nt speaks volumes on my character, work ethic, integrity, and commitment to being your next Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1. Being genuinely involved within the community is crucial to building and fostering relationships and understanding the needs of our county.
My family and I are involved in a multitude of organizations and clubs within our community. My vision for the future of Precinct 1 is centered around unwavering support of our law enforcement and first responders, advocating for public safety, responsible economic growth, efficient allocation of taxpayers’ money, building quality infrastructure, conserving and protecting our natural resources, and construction and maintenance of county roadways. I am eager to place a fresh set of eyes on governing the county. My character, work ethic, relative experience, and community involvement qualifies me as the best candidate. Let’s build a future our children and grandchildren can be proud of by molding Precinct 1 into a beacon of progress, unity, and prosperity.”
What do you think the key differences are between you and your opponent?
“There are several key differences between my opponent and I. Guadalupe County has always been my home, and Guadalupe County will always be my home. Our small community is near and dear to my heart. I am deeply dedicated to our community and looking forward to serving our county. My opponent is an attorney who moved to our county from Houston.
Another significant difference I’d like my constituents to know is, I am not a politician and have never ran for public office. The future of Guadalupe County matters which is why I am running for Guadalupe County Commissioner Precinct 1. My generation has an obligation to properly manage and prepare our county for future generations. I decided to run for county commissioner over two years ago. This decision was not made lightly and was not made because I heard there was an open seat. My opponent has a history of running for public office. She ran for District Judge in 2020 against Judge Old and lost the election. Then she applied for County Court at Law and the commissioners did not choose her. In 2021 she applied to be the new District Judge for the 456th Judicial District and the governor did not choose her. It is now 2024 and she is running for public office again. My opponent and I have different ways of campaigning. I am going to tell you exactly what I have to offer Guadalupe County and how I am the highest qualified candidate to be your next commissioner. I do not believe in smear tactics, mudslinging, and attempting to tear others down. We hold true to our small-town values, and this is not how we do things in our small town nor how I would like to steer our community moving forward. We must focus on the needs of our community and determine who is best suited to serve our small community through hard work and dedication. Our small-town values are firmly grounded in the traditions of integrity, hard work, resilience, and unity.”
Both candidates in this race have received endorsem*nts. Who has endorsed you? Why do you think this endorsem*nt should matter to voters in your precinct?
“I am the candidate endorsed by our current Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1. It’s a true honor to have our current Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1, Greg Seidenberger’s, endorsem*nt. Greg’s endorsem*nt speaks volumes on my integrity, character, work ethic, and commitment to being your next Guadalupe County Commissioner Precinct 1. Greg Seidenberger believes forward-thinking is crucial for our county’s success, and he firmly believes I share the same philosophy and work ethic, coupled with a servant’s heart. The endorsem*nt from our current Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1 matters because Greg is confident, I am the best suited and the highest qualified candidate to be your next Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct 1. All my endorsem*nts come from current, not former or retired, individuals and businesses in our community. In addition to Greg Seidenberger’s endorsem*nt, I am honored to have earned the trust and endorsem*nts from numerous highly respected, distinguished, and reputable businesses and members in our community. In addition to Greg Seidenberger’s endorsem*nt, I have also received endorsem*nts from The Koehler Company and Steve Koehler, Dr. Nic Scaramozie owner of Pecan Country Chiropractic, Scheel Construction, Inc., and Brian Scheel, Koda Power Coating owned by Philip Elley and Gary Baker, The American Hail Company and Collison Center owned by Clint Brandenberger, Dr. Teresa Quebedeaux owner of Agave Podiatry, TREPAC (Texas REALTORS Political Action Committee) B-AS Cattle Company, Concrete Screed Rental LLC, Chris Medrano Contracting, and ButlerWood, Inc.”
Ott’s Question:
“Why should voters trust you when you lied to the citizens publicly at both Republican Party forums and on KWED radio when talking about how you were only arrested once as a kid when Guadalupe County public jail records show you were arrested 4 times as an adult?”
Engelke’s Response:
“I never lied. Both forums are available for the public to review, and I’d be happy to send it over to you. We were warned how in the past Ott campaigned by smearing her opponents to distract from her lack of qualifications or that special interest groups already have her in their hip pocket. My opponent is an attorney from Houston, and she campaigns like it. Guadalupe County is smarter than to fall for her untruths because they want to know the issues concerning the welfare of our county and how their commissioner will protect the interests of the people.”
Engelke’s Question:
What is your philosophy on slander in a campaign and have you followed that philosophy during all the times you have run for office?
Ott’s Response
“In order for something to be slander, it must be false. If a statement is true, it is not slander. Whether political or not, slander is wrong. I have not made false statements. Candidates need to be truthful. When candidates do not tell the truth when running for office, it is indicative of how they will handle themselves if elected.”
