The county’s top official isn’t wasting time as David Krebs begins planning major projects following his narrow 48-vote victory.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The San Patricio County Judge’s race came down to just 48 votes, one of the closest contests in the Coastal Bend this election cycle.
Incumbent David Krebs narrowly defeated Republican challenger Mark Roach after voters in San Patricio County were almost evenly split.
Roach has not conceded the possibility of a recount.
“I’ve got some folks, some advisors, looking into it,” Roach said. “They’re going to have to convince me overwhelmingly.”
Krebs says he has no issue if his opponent decides to pursue one.
“If he wants to, I have no problem with it,” Krebs said. “That’s his decision to make.”
The razor-thin result caught many political observers off guard. Roach argued that some voters were looking for more visibility from the county’s top official.
“San Pat County needs a more present County Judge,” Roach said.
Krebs pushed back, pointing to what he calls an “open door policy.”
“That door is always open,” Krebs said. “The first time I ran, I ran on an open door policy. This is the people’s office.”
With the election behind him, unless a recount changes the outcome, Krebs says he’s focused on several major projects over the next four years.
Opening the new judicial building by May
Beginning renovations to the current courthouse
Identifying a site for a new county jail
The jail project could be significant. The current facility has 200 beds. Krebs says the sheriff wants to expand capacity to 400 beds.
“If we have some vacant beds, we’ll lease them out and make some money to help pay for the jail from other counties,” Krebs said.
Krebs is also proposing to raise the starting pay for county employees from $17 to $20 an hour.
He says residents with questions about county government are welcome to stop by his office or call.
For now, the margin stands at 48 votes, slim enough to keep political watchers on edge, but wide enough for Krebs to begin planning his next term.