Melton files for re-election
Press release from Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr.
“I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Precinct 2. I am announcing my candidacy for re-election as Van Zandt County Commissioner, Precinct 2.
It has been my pleasure to serve you for the past several years. As many of you know, when I was first elected I developed a long-range plan to rebuild our roads and bridges.
In this plan, each county road and bridge was prioritized based on the amount of traffic, population, emergency use, as well as overall deterioration. I have faithfully followed this plan repairing and paving many roads and replacing numerous bridges. My plan is to repair and pave 40 to 45 more miles of roads within the next four years and replace five more bridges. I will continue to apply for federal off road and bridge grants to build bridges. In the last several years, Pct. 2 has received grants to build nine new concrete bridges at a saving of $2.5 million dollars to county taxpayers.
Administratively, my goal is to continue to improve the overall efficiency of our county government. I plan to revise and re-write our county subdivision rules and regulations to conform to the state’s model subdivision rules and submit to the commissioners court for approval. I will also continue to go after loggers, construction companies and pipeline companies that damage our county roads. I just collected over $300,000 for damages caused by construction companies working in Pct. 2. I will continue to vote with the commissioners’ court to maintain a healthy interest and sinking fund (debt reduction) so our county will be debt free in the next four years. I strive to maintain an open communication with all Pct. 2 citizens. My office door is always open and I have never failed to return a phone call. I continually prepare reports documenting every aspect of work done and money spent in our precinct. I believe in complete transparency. I will continue to work with the Dallas Veterans Hospital and other veteran organizations to provide a free ride to and from the VA hospital for our elderly veterans, disabled veterans and veterans who live in Van Zandt County.
I have always supported a conservative budget that meets the needs of our citizens. With your support, I will continue to work diligently to make our county government work for its citizens in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Thank you for your support.”
Respectfully,
Virgil Melton Jr.
