#2 - J.C. Taylor - The Thicket

Lifelong Kendall County resident J.C. Taylor (VP of Strategy, Texas Star Nut and Food Company) lays out pragmatic, local-first solutions for water, mobility, and emergency services while protecting property rights and the Hill Country character. We cover why Kendall County’s steady 3.5% annual growth since 1990 demands action, not slogans—and how to corral growth near existing corridors, partner with the state before it decides for us, and fund the right fire/EMS coverage as neighborhoods expand. J.C. also shares his family business journey scaling a national food brand and opens up about sobriety, faith, and service—and why he’s running for County Commissioner (Precinct 2).What we cover:● Water, for real: reservoirs, a possible county water utility district, rainwater harvesting tax abatements, and long-horizon desalination tradeoffs● Mobility > gridlock: practical connectors, Hwy 46/I‑10 pressure relief, and planning that concentrates development instead of sprawling it everywhere● Emergency services: when volunteer fire works, when it doesn’t, and options for county-run staffing vs. ESDs in hot spots (Bergheim, Comfort, Tapatio)● Growth math: Kendall County’s ~3.5% compounded growth since 1990—why “do nothing” isn’t neutral, and how free-market principles and personal responsibility still guide good policy● Property rights and conservation: using tools like easements strategically (and where they fall short if we ignore supply and infrastructure)● Personal: J.C.’s path through recovery (since 2017), family loss, and a deepening faith that fuels public serviceGuest:J.C. Taylor — Kendall County resident, business leader, and candidate for County Commissioner (Pct. 2)Why this matters:Local politics shapes daily life—roads, water, safety, and how your community grows. If you live in Kendall County or the Texas Hill Country, this conversation helps translate passion into practical action.If you enjoy this episode:● Share it with a neighbor● Subscribe and leave a reviewSponsor:This episode is brought to you by BKKPRS. BKKPRS (Bookkeepers) helps businesses with bookkeeping, accounting, accounts receivables/payables, payroll, and fractional CFO services. Learn more at: https://bkkprs.comConnect:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thicketpodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4z9NNpxM6sJqbR1bPR729vFacebook: https://facebook.com/Thicketpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethicketpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thicketpodcastX: https://x.com/thethicketpod