Melissa Juett Kalka
Republican Candidate for Randall County Commissioner, Precinct 4
Kalka/Photo by Campaign
Question: What is your age?
Answer: 69
Q: What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
A: Amarillo College and Texas Tech University, School of Business, General Coursework
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Recently Retired
Q: If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own. (If this question is not applicable, please note that below.)
A: Previous small business owner
Q: Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
A: Currently member Board of Directors of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial and member Board of Directors of Amarillo Republican Women and past ARW President for 2, 2-year terms. Currently serve on Panhandle Veterans Financial Assistance committee. Past member Board of Directors for America Supports You Texas (Honor Flights) and for America-Celebrate Honor and Serve. Completed Leadership Amarillo 9- month course.
Q: Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
A: Previously Precinct Chair for Randall County Precinct 429.
Q: If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
A: Website - www.melissajuettkalka.com Email - melissa@melissajuettkalka.com Facebook
Q: Why did you decide to run for this office in 2022?
A: To ensure that our Randall County taxes are being spent wisely and to ensure that the county continues to be the best place to live and raise a family.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
A: 1. Keep taxes low while still providing the resources necessary for Randall County to thrive.
2. Focus on attracting new businesses and growing the tax base of Randall County.
3. Work to be sure Randall County remains in good financial shape to handle the exponential growth that Randall County is currently experiencing.
Q: What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
A: Remembering that the commission works for the citizens of Randall County and listening to them is most important. Also, the backbone of Randall County is our county employees as they work tirelessly for the county every day. I want to make sure their morale is strong, their opinions valued and that everything possible is done to attract and retain the very best.
Q: Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
A: My personal and professional experience has prepared me to serve the county in several areas that would make me a valuable member of the Randall County commissioner court. As former manager/owner of my family's small business, I understand and have dealt with the same issues and challenges facing our business community. As a Senior Buyer for Santa Fe Energy Company, I analyzed and managed multi-million budgets and vendor contracts. I have the experience needed to effectively review and understand Randall County's $53 million annual budget. Having worked as a Constituent Services Representative for Congressman Mac Thornberry I listened to constituents to help solve problems and had the honor to work tirelessly on behalf of our area's growing population of veterans. I gained valuable experience and understanding on how the legislative process works at both the state and national level and made key contacts that will help me serve Randall County well. As a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of four I am fully invested in our county's success to keep it a wonderful place to live and to raise a family.