Introducing Morgan Hammer

Why Elect Morgan Hammer?

1. What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for the position?

As a small business owner with experience in financial planning and real estate, I have worked diligently to establish myself as a professional in my field. I earned my degree from the McCoy School of Business at Texas State University in San Marcos while working to support myself. Throughout my career, I have focused on real estate, healthcare, and financial services.
Having lived in our community for several years, I have developed a deep appreciation for our town, which has inspired me to become actively involved in various community initiatives, such as San Marcos Young Professionals, the non-profit Mission Able, First Baptist San Marcos, and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, I continuously seek out volunteering opportunities throughout the year. My approach to communication entails active listening and effective response with a sense of urgency. Committed to my faith, I prioritize my responsibilities as a dedicated wife and mother to my family.

2. What do you believe to be the highest priority for your precinct, and how should it be addressed?

As the largest unincorporated precinct in the county, Precinct 3 encompasses a vast area, from Henley, to Driftwood, to the Wimberley Valley, and even the outskirts of Kyle and San Marcos. As your most local official, it is my top priority to maintain a high level of county services in public safety, infrastructure, and environmental/development services.

I will work closely with law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency service personnel, and school districts to ensure the highest level of public safety for all citizens. In addition, my focus will be on maintaining a safe and appropriate road system that works seamlessly with the local municipal and state road networks in our area and region.

As we continue to grow and develop, it’s important to remember our culture and environmental concerns. I will work tirelessly to ensure that new developments align with our values and protect our natural resources in Precinct 3. Access to clean water and maintaining its quality is paramount to safeguarding public health and our natural environment.

Finally, I will work collaboratively with my colleagues to ensure that the justice system and other vital county services are run professionally, with a strong focus on integrity and customer service. Ensuring quality county services is a shared responsibility and one that I am proud to uphold for Precinct 3.

3. What steps could be taken to ensure there is sufficient affordable housing throughout the county?

As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that our residents can afford to live here. This requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we need to focus on our own financial resources and create a tight budget to prevent unnecessary taxes. Secondly, we must establish consistent rules and regulations that prioritize environmental and public safety concerns in Precinct 3. Finally, collaboration with colleagues in the county and municipalities, and working with the private sector, can help us explore ways to maintain affordability in Hays County.

4. Do you believe the county is prepared for drought and other extreme weather events? Why or why not and potential solutions.

Addressing the challenges of extreme weather events requires a comprehensive approach. Initially, I will prioritize working in collaboration with the County Judges office, county emergency management office, and our first responder community to establish emergency response strategies and public safety measures. Precinct 3’s biggest liability in such emergency situations is fire and flash flooding, and hence these will be my primary focus. I recall how devastating the flood of 2015 was, and I believe we need to build on the county’s efforts and continue enhancing the communication system between emergency services and our community. Maintaining and expanding the work that the Precinct 3 office has undertaken for water availability and drought relief will remain a crucial area of focus.

I will continue to work in close partnership with our local groundwater districts, both locally and at the state level. By collaborating with a diverse group of local and regional stakeholders, I will emphasize conservation measures to ensure water security for our future and establish various contingencies to protect our local water resources for years to come. It’s vital to recognize the significance of these natural resources, not just from an environmental perspective but also as a driver that fuels the economies of the Precinct 3 rural areas.