Fowler alleges retired army officer Hogan will order people what to do if elected

By J.J. Smith. County Judge run-off election candidate Kevin Fowler alleged if his opponent is elected – retired US Army Lt. Col. and former corporate executive Jerry Hogan – that he will order people what to do rather than build consensus as Fowler claimed should be done to over 100 people gathered at the monthly Rockwall County Republican Men’s Club Breakfast March 13 at the Harry Myers Park Community Center.

Fowler said that an authoritarian leadership style – which he implied is Hogan’s – simply won’t work in Rockwall County government.

“The County Judge is a leadership position. The most important task is to build consensus. An authoritarian leadership style simply will not work in County government. It requires a leader that can lead leaders.”

Speaking next, Hogan scoffed at the accusation, stating that building consensus is obviously necessary and something he’s always done during his 40 years experience in the U.S. Army, plus afterward as president and vice president of an IBM-owned company and MCI Telecommunications.

Then he jabbed back at Fowler, vice president of commercial lending at Rockwall’s American National Bank, adding that leaders should lead by example and not hesitate to make decisions when they need to be made. Hogan added that he will definitely not “drive” people, as the banker was suggesting.

Fowler said that since he has served for 23 years on committees and in organizations with many of Rockwall County’s current government and community leaders, he is “the person who can work side by side with them” to accomplish the most as County Judge.

“Our County is facing some very real challenges, such as  roads, infrastructure development and decreasing tax revenues. I cannot express to you how important it is for our next County judge to be able to work with people, to build consensus, to communicate, to listen,” Fowler stated.

“That is why I’ve talked so much about my leadership in this community, because it’s so relevant to what the County Judge has to do every single day.”

“I’ve learned how to accomplish difficult agendas, build consensus and encourage communication. That is what I bring to this position.”

Fowler also questioned Hogan about his statements about the need for ethics reform.

“You’ve heard my opponent question the lack of ethics in our own County officials and how he wants to change how things are done. I agree with change but you know what? We already have some of the best officials in the State right now. I want to know who’s unethical? And he listed numerous current County officials as possible examples.

When Hogan spoke, he explained that he simply meant former County DA Ray Sumrow, who was sent to jail for theft, and former County Treasurer Sheree Jones, who resigned when it was learned that she “borrowed” several thousand dollars from the County treasury.

Hogan added that these examples, plus the fact that County Commissioners ignored the wishes of County voters when they voted to build the new County courthouse next to the County library, are ample evidence why ethics reform is needed so residents can have their faith renewed in County government.

Fowler concluded his remarks with comments about taxes and confimred that he will leave his job at the bank and work full-time as County Judge, if elected.

“Bottom line: “We must live within our means.” And I can make the difficult decisions when the time comes.

“I pledge to you that I will manage the County’s finances in a conservative and responsible manner. After all, it’s not just your money, it’s mine too.”

Fowler said he believes the three most important issues facing Rockwall County are: infrastructure development/roads, a master plan and the budget.

Hogan said he considers renewing trust in government, growth – which he sees as an opportunity and not a problem – plus the budget as top priorities.

The run-off election will be April 13. Early voting runs April 5-9.