Voices from the Hill Country

Engineer to Commissioner: Jon Rosenthal’s Drive to Fix Texas Energy

Get to know Jon Rosenthal, a mechanical engineer, former oil-and-gas professional and four‑term state representative, who discusses his campaign for Railroad Commissioner, the statewide office that oversees oil, gas, pipelines and parts of Texas’ energy infrastructure.
He explains his priorities—natural gas weatherization and grid reliability, ending routine flaring, addressing orphan wells and water pollution, protecting property rights, and making the commission more accessible—while contrasting his practical, engineering-focused approach with his Republican opponents.

Voices from the Hill Country: Wild West Connection Happy Hour Speaks Out

On this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, Adam West visits the first Last Wednesday Wild West Connection Happy Hour at the Screaming Goat Yard & Tap in Spring Branch (March 29) and interviews attendees about the issues that matter to them — from local concerns like water, development, and education to national topics such as the presidency, voting rights, and foreign policy.
You'll hear candid perspectives from neighbors and community members, with a note that new recording equipment was used, so audio quality may vary. Join the conversation and learn more about upcoming events and local engagement efforts.

From Ranch Roots to Statewide Reform: Clayton Tucker on Saving Texas Agriculture

In this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, host Adam West interviews Clayton Tucker, a family farmer and candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. Tucker shares his background, experience as a water researcher and food-policy advocate, and why he’s running.They discuss the wide scope of the Ag Commissioner’s office and Tucker’s priorities: breaking up corporate middlemen to lower food costs, protecting water and rural communities, reducing harmful chemicals and microplastics in food, supporting family and young farmers, reshoring school food sourcing, and regulating data centers and monopoly behavior.The conversation covers practical policy ideas like regenerative agriculture, stronger enforcement on right-to-repair and hemp protections, rural health, and steps the Ag Commissioner can take to make Texas agriculture more resilient and affordable.

From Classrooms to the Capitol: Dr. Merrie Fox on HD-73

Voices From the Hill Country presents another Meet the Candidates episode with an interview with Dr. Merrie Fox, candidate for Texas House District 73, recorded on the first day of early voting. Host Adam West and Dr. Fox discuss public education and vouchers, school accountability, water and infrastructure in the Hill Country, immigration, women’s health care, and economic challenges facing local families.
This short episode gives voters an overview of Dr. Fox’s background as a longtime educator, her policy priorities, and how to learn more or get involved with her campaign.
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Meet the Candidates: Dr. Kristin Hook on Immigration Detention, Oversight, and Reform

Host Adam West interviews Dr. Kristin Hook, Democratic candidate for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, in an episode recorded the day after the Dilley detention protest. They discuss the recent detention of a five-year-old and his father, calls for accountability and oversight, and the broader immigration concerns driving local activism.
Dr. Hook draws on her background as a scientist, former teacher, and federal public servant to outline her priorities: government accountability, workers’ rights and unions, affordable health care, protecting reproductive rights, ethical AI and technology guardrails, and strengthening public education and voting access. Listeners are encouraged to learn more and get involved.

A New Deal for Today: Gary Taylor on Social Security, Healthcare, and Education

In this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, host Adam West interviews Gary Taylor, a retired math teacher and Democratic candidate for the Texas 21st Congressional District. Taylor explains his progressive, New Deal–inspired platform, focusing on protecting and strengthening Social Security, reforming healthcare, investing in public education, and building an economy that works for everyone.
Taylor also discusses outreach to non-voters and Republicans, the challenges of working with state and federal politics, and his book, An Economy for All, outlining practical steps to unite communities and improve livelihoods ahead of the primary and midterm elections.

Meet Dr. Regina Vanburg: A Psychologist Running for Texas' 21st Congressional Seat

On this return episode of Voices From the Hill Country, Your Future, Your Vote, we get to know Dr. Regina Vanburg, a first-time candidate for Texas Congressional District 21. She discusses her background as a clinical psychologist and lays out priorities for protecting community resources and democratic access.
Dr. Vanburg highlights three core goals — protect our wealth, protect our water, and protect our vote — and talks solutions like tax reform, defending public water resources, voter-rights protections, and expanding healthcare access. Voter reminders: last day to register is Monday, February 2; early voting begins Tuesday, February 17th; mail-in ballot applications must be received by Friday, February 20th; last day of early voting is Friday, February 27th; election day is Tuesday, March 3rd.

A New Vision for Comal County: In-Depth with Sheriff Candidate David Williams

In this episode of "Your Family, Your Future, Your Vote: Conversations from the Hill Country," host Adam West engages in an enlightening conversation with David Williams, a candidate for Comal County Sheriff. As the election day draws near, David shares insights into his campaign journey, the feedback he's received, and his plans to address critical issues within the Sheriff's Department.
David outlines his proactive strategies to tackle organized crime, drug-related challenges, and the complex issue of immigration in Comal County. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and documenting individuals for the safety of all residents and highlights the need for better partnerships with local first responder agencies.
The discussion also delves into school safety, with David advocating for enhanced training for school resource officers to ensure student protection. He shares his vision for community-oriented policing, aiming to build trust and collaboration with residents to make neighborhoods safer.
Join us as David Williams presents his transparent and innovative approach to leadership, aiming to bring positive changes to the Comal County Sheriff's Office and the community it serves.