On The Record: Fred Chavez

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Fred Chavez, Coryell Democratic County Chair.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

I moved to a small area, Copperas Cove, and people in the Party said they needed help with elections. I started as a precinct judge and it took off from there.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of County Chair?

I realized it was easy to get involved. You just have to give up a little of your own time and step up when the Party needed something done. I opened my mouth and I wound up in charge of the county Party.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Coryell County?

The biggest issue, which is near and dear to me, is local economic development. I am on the economic development board for Copperas Cove, and our focus is to bring business into the area. So far, there is not a lot of industry, and we’re looking for regional development. The board’s goal is to get the smaller areas on the radar for big companies to bring business here. A lot of companies are looking to move to Texas, and we want to be considered for location options.

Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party
office, or possibly even public office?

Actually, yes. I would like to run for County Commissioner for sure. In the future, I would love to do State Legislation. I think it’s a great state to get involved in; you just have to step up. If you’re brave enough to take the beating from the media and your neighbors, then you have a chance to run and make a difference. I am foolhardy enough to handle it.

Who are some of your political heroes?

My heroes run the gamut with Teddy Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Winston Churchill; they are all heroes of mine. I am a fan of Ronald Reagan for his amazing oratory skills. He really knew how to command a room. Henry B. Gonzalez and Henry Cisneros are heroes for me, also.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I am looking forward to more participation from activists. More people are interested in availing themselves in the process. People are asking questions about how the process works and finding out about the issues and how they translate to their dinner table. I do a lot of education about the process and issues, and I think it’s a great way to get people involved.