Ricky Gleason, a candidate for Kendall County Judge, is promoting a community-driven leadership approach as the county confronts escalating growth and public safety issues. Gleason emphasizes that county government should function as a partner to residents rather than an adversary, with the County Judge establishing a collaborative tone.
Gleason's platform focuses on proactive listening to diverse stakeholders including residents, first responders, businesses, school districts, and municipalities. He contends that effective leadership involves creating environments where local ideas can flourish, particularly in critical areas such as road and bridge planning, emergency management, fire and EMS services, and economic development that maintains community character.
The candidate points to Comfort Vision 2050 as evidence that collaborative, ground-up planning produces results. This community-developed roadmap, created by Comfort residents across generations and professions, demonstrates decentralized decision-making, transparency, and coordination principles that Gleason believes should guide county governance.
Kendall County currently lacks a unified strategic vision despite increasing pressures from population growth, environmental hazards like flash floods and wildfires, and strained infrastructure. Gleason argues that the County Judge must convene diverse voices, align partners, and ensure innovation occurs with residents rather than being imposed upon them.
"Leadership starts with service," Gleason stated. "It means listening first, communicating clearly, and remembering that authority exists to help people succeed - not to control them." While Comfort Vision 2050 is not a county plan, Gleason views it as a proof of concept for engaged, resident-led planning that demonstrates citizens willingly define shared priorities and practical solutions when included in decision-making processes.
This approach matters because collaborative governance could enable faster problem-solving, better decision-making, and preservation of Kendall County's unique character amid development pressures. Gleason's model suggests that when government works alongside residents rather than dictating to them, communities become more unified and resilient in addressing complex challenges.
