Midland County Commissioner Candidate Focuses on Water, Taxes, and Infrastructure

Joe Watters, a candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2, outlines his key policy priorities ahead of the 2026 election.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joe Watters, a candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2 in Texas, has outlined his key policy priorities for the 2026 election. Watters' main focus areas include addressing water scarcity issues in the region, lowering property taxes for seniors, and improving the county's aging infrastructure and tackling illegal dumping.

Why it matters

As a candidate for county commissioner, Watters' policy platform could have a significant impact on the lives of Midland County residents if he is elected. Water availability, property taxes, and infrastructure are all critical issues facing the region, and Watters' proposed solutions could shape the county's future direction.

The details

Watters has identified the declining Ogallala Aquifer as a major concern, with water scarcity impacting both farmers and residents. He plans to work on bringing in a reliable water supply to the area. On taxes, Watters wants to work with the governor to cap property taxes for seniors aged 67 and older. Additionally, Watters aims to focus on improving the county's aging road network and tackling the issue of illegal dumping, which he believes is exacerbated by high fees at the Midland County dump.

  • Watters completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on January 25, 2026.

The players

Joe Watters

A candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2 in Texas, running in the 2026 election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The biggest issue going on right now outside of the city limits is water. Our aquifer has been hit very hard. We are on the Oglala aquifer that runs from Nebraska south to us. There has been several water issues in many areas North of us.”

— Joe Watters, Candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2

“Property Taxes. We need to work with the Governor to lower property taxes. It needs to be capped off at 67 years of age. Our seniors have paid enough and that needs to be eliminated do to the cost of living and social security.”

— Joe Watters, Candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2

“I'm all about infrastructure and roads. We have roads outside of the city limits that have not been redone since the 80s. Illegal dumping is another issue in my opinion the City of Midland charges way too much money to utilize the dump ground which is actually out in the county.”

— Joe Watters, Candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2

The takeaway

Joe Watters' policy platform as a candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 2 focuses on addressing critical regional issues such as water scarcity, property taxes, and infrastructure. If elected, his proposed solutions could have a significant impact on the lives of Midland County residents.