Rick Grady — Candidate for Collin County Judge

Former U.S. Army veteran, longtime Plano councilmember, and regional board leader outlines a platform focused on fiscal management, public safety, and infrastructure planning.

About the Candidate

From college, Rick Grady joined the United States Army, having participated in Civil Air Patrol and ROTC. After combat duty in Vietnam, he remained in the Army and later became a rock-and-roll radio disc jockey. He then joined a microcomputer software company in the early days of the tech revolution; the firm was later acquired by Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems (EDS). After a 20-year corporate career with EDS, he finished his corporate work with Cornerstone, an advocacy organization for financial institutions. For the past two decades, he has worked in the public sector, serving on numerous city boards and nonprofit organizations.

Why He’s Running for Collin County Judge

Grady says the county has been “misled financially and irresponsibly” for political reasons and is now “in crisis mode.” He cites understaffed law enforcement and infrastructure not prepared for rapid growth (U.S. 380, water systems, public safety). He argues housing supply has lagged basic services in some areas. He pledges “positive, strong, forward-looking leadership” and notes CEO-level experience managing budgets greater than $500 million.

Public Service & Leadership Experience

Grady points to over two decades in public service: Plano Community Relations and Planning & Zoning Commissions; Plano City Council (two full terms). Regionally, he served six years on the NCTCOG Regional Transportation Council; chaired the NCTCOG Emergency Preparedness Planning Council for four years; served on the NCTCOG Unmanned Aerial Systems Committee; and spent six years with the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition. He served on the Texas Municipal League and National League of Cities boards, including committees on Finance/Administration/Intergovernmental Relations and Military Communities.

Top Priorities When Elected

  • Right-size the budget: Address what he calls a looming fiscal issue from new buildings without plans for staffing or maintenance, helping improve the court system and dealing with healthcare issues.
  • Public safety: Rebuild capacity after senior staff and seasoned department heads were laid off; increase deputies to reduce large patrol areas; improve emergency services for rural residents.
  • Growth & infrastructure: Plan for water, power, roads, and public safety to match population growth; ensure the county is ready for residents and companies moving in.

Growth, Housing & Property Taxes

Grady criticizes current leadership for failing to plan ahead. Within his first 100 days, he says he would convene the North Texas Municipal Water District, NCTCOG, ERCOT, and state/federal agencies to produce an actionable infrastructure plan, while engaging business leaders on housing supply. He argues that disciplined management can stabilize the tax picture versus “knee-jerk” reactions.

Public Safety, Courts & Emergency Management

Grady calls public safety the County Judge’s most important responsibility. He says the Sheriff’s requests for personnel have been ignored and that emergency response outside municipalities must be strengthened so residents can count on fast 911 response. He supports adequate funding for courts, prosecutors, judges, and jail operations so cases are handled fairly and staff are properly supported.

“Our citizens need to know, when they dial 911, assistance is coming in minutes — not tens of minutes.”

Representation & Accessibility

Grady says he will continue meeting people where they are across Collin County, keeping a “100 percent meeting policy.” He emphasizes listening first, then acting with facts and collaboration.

Leadership Style & Values

“People guide my decision-making. I listen more than I speak. When we succeed, it’s because of us — not me. If it doesn’t succeed, the buck stops at my desk.”

Message to Voters

“We’ve been led down a financially ruinous path for political purposes. We’ve seen experienced law enforcement let go and officer shortages ignored. We need new leadership now. I will be a responsive, hardworking Collin County Judge focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning.”

Editor’s note: Candidate statements are published as submitted, with light editing for clarity or length. Publication does not imply endorsement by TX3DNews. Our goal is to help the community stay informed about all candidates and their positions. TX3DNews invites all candidates to submit profiles: staff@tx3dnews.com.