My name is Kirk Roccaforte and I am seeking your support to continue as County Commissioner of Precinct 3. I have lived in Bridge City for 43 years, which includes 41-years as a home and business owner. Prior to being County Commissioner, I was employed by and President of Bridge City Radiator & Auto. For 37 wonderful years, I was married to Shirley Roccaforte, my best friend, soul mate and biggest supporter, a faithful mother and grandmother, now watching over us from heaven. I am the proud father of my son and business partner, Aaron Roccaforte, who has taken over the business; my daughter, Cristal DuBois, and my son-in-law Coach Dwayne DuBois; as well as the proud grandfather of Trent Roccaforte, Camden, and Caleb DuBois. 

I have a combined total of 25-years of experience serving this community of resilient, hard-working citizens in numerous capacities. Along with currently serving as County Commissioner of Precinct 3, I am a member of and past President of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee, member of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, member of Bridge City/Orangefield Rotary Club Board of Directors, and member of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) coalition. 

My previous experience includes Bridge City Council, Place 3, 1994 – 1999; Bridge City Council Place 1, 2001 – 2006; Bridge City Mayor, 2006 – 2016; Bridge City Council Place 2, 2016-2018; Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee, 2011 – Present; Past President Bridge City/Orangefield Rotary Club; and Orange County Airport Advisory Committee, along with various committee appointments related to all. 

I am humbled to have been recognized with these honors; Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award, 2007 Rotarian of the Year, 2008-2009 Rotary Community Service Award, 2008 Bridge City Chamber and Orange Leader Person of the Year, 2009 Press Club of Southeast Texas Newsmaker of the Year, 2009 SETRPC Extraordinary Service and Commitment Award, 2015 Bridge City Chamber Roast Honoree, and 2015 Bridge City Christmas Light Parade Grand Marshal.

During the past 25 years, I have seen this community grow in spite of many tremendous, adverse situations. The ice storm was trying, Hurricane Rita was very destructive. Both were practice and tests to prepare us for what would prove to be the worst disaster in the history of this community, Hurricane Ike. After becoming equipped with the experience through previous disasters, Hurricane Ike, offered me the stringent task of leading our devastated community to a strong recovery. Upon the encouragement and support of my wife, and my children, who shared the community devastation, my employees, and my immediate family, I took a six-month leave from my business to “live” at (what was left of) city hall. With the immediate cooperation of a hardworking, very supportive city council, (some also living at city hall), city manager and staff, city employees, and citizens, we prevailed and restored. During these strenuous times, I am proud to have been able to lead the fight for a successful recovery. We fought for and were able to obtain temporary housing and mitigate infrastructure rehab and hardening with approximately $20 million in recovery funds through various methods. This has better prepared us for any future events, such as storms or disasters, and developed a much-improved infrastructure. Moving forward and being battered with not just one more devastating event, Harvey, but yet another, Imelda, once again we find ourselves rebuilding and becoming collectively stronger. 

I’m confident to have the experience, qualifications, contacts, and ability to move Orange County forward. With our Commissioners Court and employees, I am currently working closely with all entities, city, drainage district, surrounding counties, state and federal agencies, senators and representatives. Working together we can secure funds available for large and small projects such as drainage projects. I am currently involved with the appeal of the FEMA rate maps that is critical to our community, the national flood insurance program (NFIP) legislation of which I will continue to fight for, along with CSFI, to sustain affordable flood insurance also the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District, study and plans for a coastal levee system. 

Early voting is February 18-22,24-28 with Election day being March 3. I would appreciate your support. Like my Facebook page Keep Kirk Roccaforte Commissioner Pct. 3. My contact number is 409-735-5750. Please vote: KIRK ROCCAFORTE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 3. Thank you and God bless.