Port Commissioner Barbara Canales was elected Nueces County Judge on Tuesday night.
Among a long list of issues to tackle, Canales said the county’s budget is priority one.
“We need to quickly figure out how to be income producing,” Canales said. “Every asset can be managed in a better way, in a more efficient way, to be revenue producing.”
The newly elected judge also plans to work with the Sheriff’s Office to address jail overcrowding, and find an economic-based solution to the old Nueces County Courthouse.
“We need to get the taxes paid back, but we also should get the appraised value on this amazing, prime piece of property,” Canales said.
She recognizes her administration will be a historic one. Canales is the first woman elected as Nueces County Judge.
“I think that it’s important that young women in our own community see a democracy reflect our population and our representation,” Canales said.
For the first time in years, the County Commission will now have a majority of Democrats filling its seats. But Canales said improving our county has little to do with political affiliation.
“I think what I bring is a consensus building, somebody who can reach across the aisles and work with everyone,” Canales said.
Canales will resign from her position as Port Commissioner when she is sworn in as Nueces County Judge on Jan. 1.
