

Patrick Petrisky
Candidate for Calhoun County Commissioner - Precinct 2
Age: 44
City/community of residence: Port Lavaca / Six Mile
Occupation and employer: Formosa Plastics Chemical Engineer
Prior public service: Volunteer with Calhoun County Office of Emergency Management. 1st LT Texas State Guard
Years living in the precinct: 44 years living in Precinct 2 (minus 4 years at college)
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My Story
What are the top two priorities for your precinct, and how would you advocate for them at the commissioners court level?
The top two priorities for Precinct 2 are drainage improvements and fiscal transparency. Flooding and poor drainage affect safety, roads, and property across the precinct. I will work to gather and organize existing drainage data from Precinct 2 and across the county so we can clearly identify problem areas and prioritize solutions based on facts, not guesswork. Fiscal transparency is just as important. Taxpayers should be able to easily see how county money is being spent and the status of county projects. I will work with the county judge and fellow commissioners to improve public access to financial and project information through a clear, searchable online system so residents can stay informed and engaged.
Commissioners vote on the county budget. What principles guide your decisions when allocating taxpayer dollars?
When allocating taxpayer dollars, I believe the county should first focus on its core responsibilities. At the local level, that means fully funding public safety and essential services such as fire protection, EMS, the sheriff’s office, and county infrastructure like roads, bridges, ports, and the airport.
These services protect public safety, support local commerce, and keep the county functioning. Maintaining law and order, reliable transportation, emergency response, drainage, and sanitary systems must come first.
Once those essential needs are met, we can evaluate other spending. While many programs may sound important, they should not take funding away from the county’s core mission.
How should the county balance growth, infrastructure needs, and rural or coastal preservation?
Growth will make our county stronger and more prosperous, but it has to be done responsibly. That means making sure we have enough housing, roads, drainage, and utilities in place to support growth before it happens.
I believe growth and coastal / rural preservation can work together. When people live, work, and invest in an area, they are more likely to care about it and support efforts to protect it. Responsible use of our natural resources encourages stewardship, not neglect.
By planning ahead and investing in infrastructure, we can support growth while preserving the rural and coastal character.
How would you ensure residents of your precinct feel heard and represented?
I believe representation starts with being present and accessible. I will regularly meet with residents in my precinct and listen to their concerns.
When issues are raised, they will be acknowledged, tracked, and addressed. I support keeping a visible, ongoing list of concerns and projects so residents can see what is being worked on and the progress being made.
I believe in follow-through. Once a project is identified, I will work to move it forward and use every appropriate tool available to help ensure projects are completed in a timely manner.
What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race?
County Commissioner is a project management/engineering job. I have been doing engineering and project management for more than 20 years. I am a chemical engineer and certified project management professional. I have managed many multi-million dollar capital projects at Formosa. My approach is simple: when I see a problem, I work to fix it. I don’t believe in complaining without action, and I don’t give up until a solution is found.