BobContrerasRobert W. “Bob” Contreras has announced his candidacy for Brown County Commissioner, Precinct 1, in the upcoming March 1, 2016 primary election. Early voting begins February 16, 2016.

“As your next Precinct 1 County Commissioner, I bring a vision for the future, the experience of an executive who has successfully managed budgets from $1.8 to $29 million, and years of demonstrated leadership ability in the United States Army, public schools and state service.

I pledge to work hard for you and accomplish the following goals:

  • Return every call made to me the same day
  • Strive with members of the Commissioner’s Court and county officers to provide the best services possible to the citizens of Brown County
  • Implement a scheduled maintenance plan for all Precinct 1 County Roads
  • Work to improve transparency in Commissioner’s Court
  • Ensure that every tax dollar spent is done with this thought in mind – is this expenditure necessary to provide and/or improve services to Brown County residents?
  • Always listen carefully to your concerns

The broad range of my educational, local government and military experience uniquely qualifies me to manage the increasingly complex business of county government.”

Contreras’ educational background includes a Master’s Degree in education from Angelo State University, as well as Bachelor and Associate degrees from the University of the State of New York, Regent’s College. While in the service Contreras earned basic, intermediate and advanced diplomas in leadership, foreign language, and various intelligence collection and analysis methods. Contreras holds current Texas professional school certifications as a Superintendent of Education, Principal and Teacher.

Throughout the years Contreras served successfully as a military leader of up to 374 soldiers, served in  operations positions and with foreign forces overseas in the role of liaison. He served tours in Okinawa, Korea, Shemya and the Federal Republic of Germany, and received advanced training in Taiwan, the Republic of China.  In 1987, Contreras and his family were named a “Military Family of the Year” and were presented with a certificate signed by former First Lady of the United States, Ms. Nancy Reagan.

Upon retiring from active duty, Contreras worked as a teacher in San Angelo area schools. While in San Angelo, Contreras was active in the PTA. He served in various PTA offices before becoming President of the San Angelo Area Council in 1996. Contreras, with his family, moved to Brownwood in 1997 to accept a school administrator’s position at the former Brownwood State School. Contreras was named “Assistant Principal of the Year” for the Texas Youth Commission in 1998. In 2000, Contreras was named Principal of Brownwood State School. He served in that position until being named Superintendent of Education for the Texas Youth Commission in 2007. Contreras remained with the Texas Youth Commission after returning to Brownwood in September 2008 to fill the new position of Family Liaison, created by the Texas legislature. He remained in that position until retiring from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department in May 2015.

EDUCATION

Master of Education                                       Angelo State University, Major – School Administration 1996

Bachelor of Science                                        University of the State of New York, Regent’s College, Major – Liberal Studies, 1993

Associate of Science                           University of the State of New York, Regent’s College

Senior Cryptologic Supervisor Course            National Security Agency, Fort G.G. Meade, Maryland 1987

Czech Language Course, Intermediate          Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center, Monterey, California, 1979

Czech Language Course, Basic                       Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center, Monterey, California, 1978

Advanced Non Commissioned Officer’s         Fort Devens, Mass.1982

Course

EXPERIENCE

  • 21 years military experience as a troop leader at up to Battalion level. Served on operational staff at Brigade and Corps.
  • Texas Juvenile Justice Department. 17 years. Enhanced vocational and post-secondary educational opportunities.  Initiated first-ever on campus instruction of TYC youth by Howard Payne University faculty.
  • As Principal, successfully implemented staff and school reorganization following severe budget reductions, resulting in minimal loss of full time positions and continued service to students.
  • Served as Chair of the Brown County Resource Coordination Group 2013-2015.
  • Currently serves on the Board of Directors, Education Service Center, Region 15

Contreras and his wife, Teresa, have been married 43 years. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.  Their children are Gregg (Oklahoma University graduate), Wendy (Southwest Texas graduate) and Wes (Howard Payne University graduate). The Contreras family attends Victory Life Church in Brownwood.