Know Your Leaders: David Brewer
By Mark Archibald
This year, in towns and cities big and small, residents will celebrate our 250th Anniversary as a functioning Constitutional Republic.
Most know at least part of the story of America’s founding. A revolution followed by a hot summer spent in Philadelphia hammering out the details of a document which, while imperfect, provided the fledgling nation with an opportunity to grow.
Several chapters inside the binding of our Great American Story are not as well-known as that initial tale, but they continue to unfold in state capitols, meeting rooms, and city halls across the country.
It is the decisions made in these non-descript locations that have the most immediate impact upon our American tapestry.
Zoning changes, debates about the proper use of resources, and yes, the limitations of government entities, are all hot topics and have a tremendous impact on our communities and those who live and work here.
Over the next few weeks The NavCo Chronicle will highlight our locally elected officials.
We will ask them to share their stories about Corsicana and Navarro Couty, talk a bit about their time in office, and discuss how their personal and public service-related aspirations continue to shape our community.
In this third installment of the series: Know Your Community Leaders we focus on Navarro County Commissioner for Pct. Four, David Brewer
DAVID BREWER
David Brewer thought he might have something to offer when he decided to run for Navarro County Commissioner. The former Science teacher, and principal at Blooming Grove ISD said he was not finished contributing when he retired in 2016, after 35 at Blooming Grove ISD.
The former Lion said although he enjoyed retirement ultimately, he missed the problem-solving aspect of his job, “I felt like I had more to give,” said Brewer.
Brewer, who is nearing the final year of his first term representing Precinct 4 in Navarro County, looks confident sitting behind his desk answering phone calls and reading notes, shaded by the University of Texas flag that hangs in his office window.
“Precinct 4 has some of the hardest working and interesting people, I should know I taught some of them and saw others in the principal’s office. “
The precinct encompasses the Northwest part of Navarro County as well as a portion of the Pursley area.
Brewer said he has learned a lot since becoming commissioner.
However, getting there was a journey. Brewer was one of seven candidates who filed to run when James Olsen announced he would not seek reelection in Oct. of 2021.
Brewer recalled, “There was no ill will between the seven of us who ran for the commissioner position in 2022.
“I was humbled and honored to come out on top. We dubbed ourselves the Magnificent Seven,” he added with a chuckle.
“In fact, I have coached or taught many of them or their relatives. We agreed to run a clean campaign because that is what the people wanted,”
“That’s what Navarro County deserves,” he said.
Brewer decided to run for a second term this year, he was not challenged.
The husband, father and grandfather credited his predecessor with making the transition to being a county Commissioner a bit easier.
“James was willing to talk and offered advice when I asked, I was also able to sit in on a few budget sessions before I was sworn in, now that I have experienced budgets firsthand, I realize what a balancing act budgeting is.”
We have to look out for the people as well as prioritizing equipment and facilities.
Brewer credits that experience with helping him prioritize and making him a better commissioner.
“I would like to help everyone right when they call, but sometimes that’s impossible,” he said.
“Of course we take care of school routes right away, but my crew and I decide which areas need the most help and get that done as quick as we can”
Navarro County Commissioners are expected to finalize the 2026 2027 Fiscal Year budget and tax rate later this year.
“It’s different than what I thought it would be when I was a candidate,” he admitted.
“I thought the County had more control over funds and how they are spent. Turns out the state tells us how to spend a lot of Navarro County tax dollars.
Those mandates leave commissioners only about 20% of the annual budget as discretionary spending.
Brewer said his focus is working for the people and conservatively spending tax dollars.
“We are all taxpayers at the courthouse, we want that money used wisely just like everyone else,” he said.
In an effort to save taxpayers some money Brewer has applied for and received grant money from the Texas Environmental Reclamation Program.
Funds from that grant will buy road work equipment that is cheaper and better for the environment.
Brewer is also focused on repairing the roads when they need it.
Although, he said there are not as many resources as he would like.
“People may not realize this he said but the county’s road and bridge tax rate has not increased in 20 years,” he said.
Brewer said he is excited about Navarro County’s future, we expect to see the population grow to 60,000 by the year 2030, we have to be ready he said.
Though he does not know exactly what the next years will look like Brewer said he is excited about the opportunity to help shape it, for everyone, including his family.