Longtime DeWitt County Judge Daryl Fowler officially announced his decision not to seek a sixth term of office at the local GOP meeting on July 22. The judge had let it be known for some months that he was considering leaving office.
“This decision was a difficult one to make and I do not take it lightly,” Fowler wrote in his formal announcement. “But, after much prayer and consultation with family, it is time to consider passing the responsibilities of the office to another individual who will subject himself or herself to the rigors of the Primary Election process and commit to making our county an even better place to live and work and raise families.”
Fowler took office in 2011 and helped the community meet the challenges of the Eagle Ford Shale oil boom with initiatives that strengthened the county’s infrastructure and financial stablity. He championed the passage of the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF), which brought millions in state revenue to De-Witt County to mitigate the impact of oilfield development.
The re-routing of FM 240 (and oilfield traffic) away from Westhoff School took more than 10 years to complete. During his tenure the county spent $200 million rebuilding the rural road system, retired more than $9 million in debt and maintained a steady tax rate amidst large swings in property valuations.
Fowler has served on multiple state task forces, advocating for fair compensation to coun- ties for energy development. He also supported historical preservation and legislative collaboration.
DWC Judge Daryl Fowler
“Rest, assured, that there will be plenty of work on my desk and work with the Legislature to resolve through the end of this current term of office,” Fowler said.
“I cannot quantify or adequately describe the value of the friendships gained or the cherished memories this period of public service has given me, but I am very certain of my gratitude for the trust you have placed in me during my four consecutive terms as your county judge.”
