Two Katy area residents – both of whom live in Cane Island -- are running for Waller County Commissioner Precinct 4, facing off in the March 3 Republican primary. The office was previously held by Justin Beckendorff who is running for Waller County judge in an unopposed primary. Waller County Precinct 4 covers southern Waller County, including Katy, Brookshire, Pattison and parts of Fulshear.

Katy Times posed the same questions to each candidate, and their answers are below for voters to consider. (Responses have been edited for length, clarity and adherence to AP style. Candidates’ responses are listed in alphabetical order).

What led to your decision to run for this position?

CANTRELL: Waller County is growing rapidly, and that growth requires steady, experienced leadership. After 27 years serving inside county government and 11 years leading major departments, I understand both our progress and the challenges ahead. I’m running to ensure growth is managed responsibly, infrastructure keeps pace, and daily life improves for families in Precinct 4.

SMITH: Waller County is growing fast, and families can feel the strain of crumbling and crowded roads, flooding concerns, and rising costs. As a Katy City Councilmember I’ve delivered real results including $100 million for road and drainage infrastructure while lowering property tax rates to historic lows. Waller County needs experienced fiscally conservative leadership in these areas, and that’s why I’m running.

What are your strongest qualifications to be Commissioner?

CANTRELL: I’ve served as Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Chief Fire Marshal, and Chief of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Grants, giving me hands-on experience in county operations, budgeting, and large-scale project execution. Under my supervision, our grants division has secured over 53 million dollars for roads, drainage, and public safety improvements. I’ve led through five federally declared disasters and delivered back every taxpayer dollar.

SMITH: I bring 24 years of private-sector leadership and 5 years as an elected City Councilmember making the same decisions commissioners are responsible for, including balancing budgets, setting tax rates, and approving development agreements. I’ve delivered real results for taxpayers, including $100 million for infrastructure and the lowest property tax rate in Katy history.

What is your top priority in the area of mobility?

CANTRELL: My priority is reducing congestion by expanding roadway capacity and improving traffic flow ahead of continued growth. By coordinating with regional partners and aggressively pursuing grant funding, we’ve accelerated major road projects while easing the burden on taxpayers. I will continue focusing on safe, efficient infrastructure that supports both residents and economic development.

SMITH: My top priority is catching up on road improvements that should have been made years ago, then making sure we never fall behind again. That means prioritizing critical projects now and requiring new development to pay its fair share for the roads it impacts. Taxpayers should not be left covering the cost of growth.

What is your top priority in drainage and flood control?

CANTRELL: Protecting neighborhoods from flooding remains one of my highest responsibilities, and I’m focused on advancing drainage projects that increase capacity and reduce risk across the county. Long-term, data-driven planning—along with continued use of Texas General Land Office funds—allows us to better manage upstream floodwaters and build real resilience rather than temporary fixes. I also leverage long-standing partnerships with the Katy-Brookshire Drainage District to move forward on critical water-retention projects that protect our communities.

SMITH: We must protect families and homes from flooding through proactive, long-term planning. Drainage improvements will be prioritized with every mobility project, and flood control must be delivered on the 1,400+ acres recently acquired from Houston. Development agreements must also ensure growth pays its own way without burdening existing residents.

What is your top priority in improving quality of life?

CANTRELL: Public safety, medical services, and fire protection are critical as our county continues to grow. I’ve worked directly in these roles, giving me firsthand insight into the demands placed on our emergency responders. That experience allows me to make informed decisions that strengthen these services and keep our community safe.

SMITH: Quality of life starts with safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and affordable living. I will manage growth responsibly by making strong deals with developers and saying no to bad development that doesn’t serve residents. I proved that by opposing and helping stop a massive battery storage facility proposed near a school and neighborhood.

What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you and your candidacy?

CANTRELL: I believe in service over politics and leadership rooted in integrity and accountability. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Leadership Management from Sam Houston State University and am a graduate of the 246th FBI National Academy. I’m running to provide experienced, full-time leadership that works as hard as the people of Waller County, and I am ready to serve our community on day one.

SMITH: My faith and my family shape my commitment to service. I believe our rights are God-given, and government exists to protect them through limited government, public safety, and fiscal discipline. I have advocated for those conservative principles as a delegate to the Republican State Convention, and I will bring that same conviction to Commissioners Court.

To learn more about the candidates, go to:

· Brian Cantrell: https://cantrellforwaller.com

· Dan Smith: https://danbsmith.com/about/