Q&A: Meet the Williamson County Sheriff Candidates

Matthew Lindemann, the current Williamson County Precinct 3 Constable, is running against incumbent Sheriff Mike Gleason in the Nov. 5 race for sheriff.

Meet the candidates

Lindemann and Gleason both served in Williamson County for decades. Gleason received 56.06% of the vote for sheriff in the 2020 election.

Early voting runs from October 21 to November 1, and residents have until October 7 to register to vote. Polling locations and a sample ballot are available on the Williamson County website.

Candidates were asked to respond in 50 words or less, answer the questions asked, and avoid attacking their opponents. Responses may have been edited or cut to meet these guidelines, or for reasons of style and clarity.

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Williamson County is comprised of four precincts, covering Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Pflugerville, Austin and more. (Courtesy of Williamson County) — Williamson County has four precincts, covering Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Pflugerville, Austin and more. (Courtesy of Williamson County)

Why are you the best candidate for this seat?

For 39 years, I have protected and served Williamson County, including 21 years as a Texas Ranger. I have the diverse experience needed to enhance public safety, increase collaboration, and lead WCSO to ensure Williamson County is a safe place to live and raise a family.

If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?

I will lead a sheriff’s office that is tough on crime (and) accountable to the public; increase cooperation with local, state, and federal partners; improve transparency within the community; focus on new programs to protect our community’s most vulnerable populations; and prevent future failed inspections of state prisons.

What are the biggest challenges you have seen in the county and how do you plan to address them?

I-35 and Population Growth. We need resources to keep up with population growth. Additionally, criminals are using I-35 for drug and human trafficking, and we need a sheriff who will make it known that Williamson County is law-abiding. I will not tolerate criminals putting our residents at risk.

How will you put the citizens of Williamson County first, if elected?

I will prioritize responsible communication with the public, transparency and accountability. Building trust is essential to public safety, so I will ensure regular communication with residents, helping them connect with the officers who protect the community and myself. I will enforce the law to protect law-abiding citizens.

What values helped shape your campaign for county sheriff?

Dedication to protecting my community and serving is the driving force behind my campaign. I will use my experience as a former Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy (Office), DPS Trooper, Texas Ranger, and Constable to improve public safety and serve our community. I am committed to respect and accountability, ensuring WCSO serves and protects all Williamson County residents.

Why are you the best candidate for this seat?

I am the best candidate for this seat because I am already elected Sheriff by the voters of Williamson County. I have been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since 1993, with the exception of the previous administration of Robert Chody. I have worked in every aspect of the Sheriff’s Office.

If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?

I will continue to operate within my budget and implement cost-saving measures as I have done for the past four years, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. I will continue to ensure the transparency and constitutionality of my office.

What are the biggest challenges you have seen in the county and how do you plan to address them?

The challenge is growth. We need to decentralize out of Georgetown and have substations strategically located throughout the 2,800 square kilometres of the county so that officers stay in their assigned areas and are not traveling back and forth to Georgetown for menial tasks that can now take up to an hour each way.

How will you put the citizens of Williamson County first, if elected?

I continually put the citizens of Williamson County first. That is why this office exists. My staff and I all have open door policies and work daily with our Community Engagement Unit to meet the needs of all our citizens. We can be reached by phone, on many social media channels…

What values helped shape your campaign for county sheriff?

My campaign is about “rebuilding.” We are focused on restoring respect and dignity to the Sheriff’s Office; our performance over the last four years supports that statement.