Gerald Kolarik has been appointed as the new Pct. 4 commissioner for Liberty County. His selection, officially announced on Friday, Jan. 17, by County Judge Jay Knight, fills the unexpired term of the late Commissioner Leon Wilson, who passed away in late 2024.
Kolarik, a lifelong resident of Dayton, brings decades of experience and a history of community service to his new role. A 1973 graduate of Dayton High School, Kolarik attended Lee College in Baytown before beginning a career at ExxonMobil in 1977. Over his 36-year tenure, he rose from a mechanical craftsman trainee to Senior Turnaround Manager. After retiring in 2013, he launched a second career as a Turnaround Management Specialist.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kolarik has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. He served on the Dayton ISD Board of Trustees for 15 years, holding positions as secretary, vice president, and president. Kolarik also devoted time to mentoring youth through 4-H programs and coaching Little Dribblers basketball.
A man of faith, Kolarik and his wife of 49 years, Carol, are active members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dayton. His church involvement has included serving on the Parish Council, teaching religious education, and acting as a lector at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
When asked about his appointment, Kolarik expressed gratitude and a desire to serve the community well. He also thanked Judge Knight for giving him the opportunity to serve Pct. 4.
“It’s a new opportunity. I hope that I can go in and do a good job for the people in this precinct and Liberty County. Whenever I am done, I just hope people can say, ‘You know, he did a pretty good job,’” he said.
Kolarik’s appointment comes after a challenging selection process. Nine candidates applied for the position, and it was initially intended that a newly formed oversight committee would screen the applicants. However, due to significant community and candidate pressure, the committee withdrew from the process, forcing the final decision on Judge Knight.
Knight, who has known Kolarik since their high school days, expressed confidence in his choice.
“I think Gerald will fit in well with the other commissioners. He’s easy to work with,” Knight said, noting Kolarik’s strong reputation in the community and lack of political baggage. “I’m happy with my choice.”
Kolarik will officially begin his duties on Tuesday, Jan. 21, after being sworn in by Judge Knight. His appointment will run for the remaining two years of Wilson’s unexpired term. After that, he will have to seek election if he wants to continue as commissioner.
“I promise to be a good steward of the county,” Kolarik said, as he looks forward to serving Pct. 4 and Liberty County.
Anyone is better than Leon was. Good luck!
Please explain!
Explain your reasoning for such a disrespectful comment please.
Gerald is a good man. Unfortunately he will only serve the folks of his area. West precinct 4 has been overlooked for years. Hopefully he will comitt efforts there if Jay will let him
“However, due to significant community and candidate pressure, the committee withdrew from the process, forcing the final decision on Judge Knight.”
The committee was created, after the last good ole boy disaster, to assure things happened fairly and honestly, or at least it was presented that way. Now, we’re reading that all you have to do is apply pressure and the committee tucks tail and runs away? So basically nothing has changed.
Sherwood Glen road and ditches are in terrible shape,can’t get nothing done . Terrible on vehicle’s and property taxes keep going up.something has to be done .