Editor’s note: Because early voting has started and Ponton is a county attorney candidate, we allowed him to respond to Trey Gerfers’ “Our Water Matters” column in advance of publication.
I am a proud resident of Presidio County and the Big Bend. My family moved here in 1957. I did not recently move here and now want to make it like Austin.
Presidio County is a border county subject to “colonia laws,” requiring developers in border counties to follow Model Subdivision Rules. These rules require developers of subdivisions selling lots under five acres to provide for water and sewer use before electricity can be provided. Presidio County has adopted Model Subdivision Rules, recently amending and updating our rules. El Cosmico will have to follow our rules and regulations.
Mr. Gerfers complains that he could not find our Model Subdivision Rules when they are readily available from the county judge or county clerk, who are responsible for keeping our records. The Groundwater Certification Availability document is a Water Development Board rule, which will be adopted when a subdivision plat is submitted to the Presidio County Commissioners Court.
Mr. Gerfers is getting paid $30,000 from the TWDB grant. Good for him. I am working with County Judge Jose Portillo and some prominent environmental lawyers to set up a county-wide water district that can take over management of failing water systems in Shafter, Redford, Ruidosa and Candelaria, and build a colonia system in Las Pampas. I want to help the poorest residents of Presidio County achieve their right to reliable fresh water.
Mr. Gerfers is not a “water czar,” and he should stick to managing the Underground Water Conservation District. County-wide water policy and colonia enforcement is the purview of the commissioners court. It is unfortunate that Mr. Gerfers wants to waste his energy throwing bricks during political season when he should be looking after the Underground Water Conservation District.
I am proud to help Presidio County enforce state laws and our subdivision rules. I will ensure that El Cosmico and any other developers follow Presidio County rules so we can continue to enjoy our beautiful county.
Rod Ponton
Presidio County Attorney