Why did you decide to seek this office?
I care deeply about Wise County and I believe that the Wise County citizens deserve the very best protection and service from the Sheriff's office. I feel an obligation to help create positive change. It is my pledge to the return the office to the people. I will develop a level of service second to none by providing special assistance for two of our most precious resources. Safe, interactive, community oriented, educational programs for our youth and our senior citizens. Being a step-parent of a 15 year old, I am reminded daily of the dangers and pitfalls facing our children.
The Sheriff's office will offer training and support to all of the employees, and their families. My service oriented career and experience in the military and law enforcement along with my high ethical standards make me the best candidate for the job. I have maturity, ethics and a proven track record in law enforcement that can withstand the microscope. I am running to serve.
Please identify a major issue dealing with the position you are seeking and your solutions or views about that issue. Please be as specific as possible.
One of the largest problems I see in the county is the obvious community disconnect with law enforcement. The public is disgruntled because of the perception is that "nobody cares". I believe that this is caused in large part to massive turn over. The Sheriff's office loses excellent employees (deputies, jailers, communication officers) constantly to agencies all over the area. When employees leave in mass, it makes community relations impossible. There is no continuity or consistency and no time to build relationships within the community. The community will be more secure, and more protected when our employees stay with the department and become involved in the community, their careers and in proactive law enforcement. Progressive internal changes will create an atmosphere of respect and professionalism that will draw and retain the most talented employees in the state. Proactive law enforcement will be the norm in the county. That means more crime prevention which will lead to less crime responses. Proactive policing involves: extra patrols for citizens at high risk, super high tech community watch programs and quarterly town hall meetings so citizens can voice their concerns and influence the direction of the department.
What experience qualifies you to serve in the position you seek?
With over 28 years of experience with some of the most progressive, fastest growing agencies this side of the Dallas/Fort Worth, I know how to best serve the community and protect lives and property. I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice while working full time and taking care of a family. I have over 4500 hours of continuing education. I have Master Peace Officer Certification, Jailer Certification and Instructor certification. I served honorably in the Military. I have a career that can withstand careful scrutiny. But most important I have a heart to serve and phone that is always on!
If elected, what will be your most important goal?
It is time to take a stand and that is why I am here. Taking a stand and creating a sheriff's office that is not based on politics or special interest that will be capable of protecting the citizens of this great county is my most important goal. Standing strong against crime in any form boils down to the basics, training, leadership, coordination with all law enforcement agencies, and above all working together to ensure that our county will become known as one of the safest in Texas, if not THE safest. Standing strong against crime means insisting cases are filed and the department is working hand in hand with both, the county attorney and district attorney to make sure that the law is enforced and criminals are prosecuted thereby making our county one of the safest places in Texas. Taking a stand involves stronger traffic enforcement and traffic control so that our deadly roads are safer for all of our drivers both young and old. Taking a stand means developing effective crime prevention activities involving the community members and community leaders. Taking a stand is working with business owners and community members to support law enforcement and other public safety heroes. Taking a stand means creating a department that is responsive to the needs of the community and not motivated by political agendas. I am here to take a stand, because my family is worth it and Wise County is worth it. Most of all, I encourage everyone to vote! |