Three republicans are running for Montgomery County Constable in Precinct 5. The term for all constables in the state of Texas is four years. Primary elections are scheduled for May 29.
David Hill (I), elected in 1983
Q: What do you think the role of the constable's office should be within the community?
A: I look at us as the community police. I think the constable in Magnolia's primary job is to take care of civil process—the [Justice of the Peace] court—and to serve the people of the community as they indicate to us how they want to be served. The second thing we do is act as an extension to police services.
One of things we offer is we furnish eight deputies to Magnolia ISD. We supply them to protect the students, faculty and employees of the school during the school day. I think that's what we're called to do: provide the needs the community requests and wants.
Q: What would your priorities be if elected?
A: I'm going to continue what I'm doing. I've been a police officer here for 43 years and have been involved in the community in every way that I can, and I intend to continue that involvement. I served a term on the school board and as president of the Society of Samaritans.
I think the constable should be the community police. We're as close to the public as we can be. We're as close as your telephone. The reason I feel like I'm qualified is the experience that I bring to the table. This will be a continuation of something I've been building for the last 30 years in the constable's office.
Johnny Carroll, former deputy with Precinct 5 constable's office for 17 years
Q: What do you think the role of the constable's office should be within the community?
A: I think there's a lot of things that need to be changed, and I have the experience and desire to get out there and do it the best I can. First and foremost, we should be leaders. We've got to have leadership in the whole department. I'm gong to get out there and work with and listen to the people. I'm going to try to educate our kids on drug awareness and stranger awareness all the way from elementary school to high school. You've got to do it with honesty and integrity.
We should be a public service to our community. The reason why we're there is ultimately to take care of the JP courts, but we can go above and beyond that by getting out there and getting more involved with the community. It's ultimately about listening to the community and working well with them. We have to be role models.
Q: What would your be priorities if elected?
A: My main priority is to educate our kids—either in the school or outside—on the awareness of drugs and strangers. I think we need to start targeting kids at a younger age. That's our future.
What I plan on doing is talking to these kids at least once a school year. Just the presence of our police officers in the room will stick with them forever. We've got to let them know we're their friends and we're here to help them. If the school district doesn't want to fund it, I'm gong to do my best to get in there and do it however I can.
Brian Clack, detective with Magnolia Police Department
Q: What do you think the role of the constable's office should be within the community?
A: I believe the first role is to protect the community. Their assigned role is in civil process, but making sure the community is safe should be their first concern.
Q: What would your priorities be if elected?
A: My priority would be to get out of the office, get out on the streets and start working to protect our community and fight drugs in our community. We have a major drug haven out here with people selling and making drugs, and it's out of control.
The more you fight against drugs in our community, the more you clean up all problems, even the civil issues. I have big plans on training the community to be able to notice the crime and be able to help each other out. I plan to train them on the effects of the drug issues we have out here, as well as how to keep families safe and protect children.
