James Wilson
James Wilson was elected Williamson County sheriff in 2004 after a more than 33 year career in law enforcement with the Texas Department of Public Safety. During his tenure at DPS, he became director of the department.
Q. Why did you decide to run for office?
A. We worked hard over the last eight years to put in place a professional organization, and we are still facing challenges because of the continued growth of the county. Why would I like to stay here? First of all, I am a career police officer. We are a very diverse organization with a lot of different responsibilities that we must take care of. We've worked hard here, and we think we have most of that in place, and it's just a joy to come to work every day and interact with the people of the county and try to solve the problems that the county has. It's one of the most satisfying things of my professional career.
Q. What is the biggest issue facing the sheriff's office?
A. We do have an immediate presence to Travis County, of course, and it seems each time I read the paper, things are more and more violent. It seems the drug cartels are moving into Travis County, and with our county line being so vague, I think it is inevitable that we have the same influence of the drug cartels that are moving, evolving and encroaching into our county. Growth is always the issue to deal with here, and trying to manage the resources we have and put those resources in the right place. We are facing a challenge right now of some loss of personnel who are migrating down to the better paying jobs in Round Rock, Travis County as well as the Austin Police Department. There is not a singular issue.
Q. What makes you the best candidate for sheriff?
A. [I have] the ability to be a peace officer and the ability to be an administrator. It goes to my background, I believe. When I was 21 years old, I went to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety, where I became a patrol officer, and worked in Houston as a driver's license patrolman ... In 1991, I was promoted to be the director of that agency. We had a budget of about $296 million, give or take a few, and nearly 7,000 full-time employee positions. I graduated from Buna High School and attended college at Lamar University for a couple semesters. While I was a patrolman and an investigator, I completed my degree from Sam Houston State University in 1973. In 1979, I graduated from South Texas College of Law with a juris doctorate degree in law. I am licensed to practice law in Texas. Credentials are good in that they give you opportunity, but they don't do the job. They might open the door, but they don't do the job, you have to do that.
Tony Trumps
Tony Trumps worked in the Houston Police Department and held several different positions, including patrol officer, district crime scene investigator and as a narcotics division officer. He eventually retired from the department and later moved to Sun City in 2005.
Q. Why did you decide to run for office?
A. Several reasons. First, I don't think that any candidate should have a walk-in campaign. Voters need choices. Too many elected officials across all levels of government are not honestly and effectively representing the wants and needs of the people. Third, I want to make sure that if and when constitutionality becomes an issue in the enforcement of the law, there will be a sheriff in place who will stand his ground and protect the civil liberties and constitutional rights of our people. Ultimately, my reasons for running stem from a deep commitment for law enforcement, our country and for the people of Williamson County.
Q. What is the biggest issue facing the sheriff's office?
A. This kind of strain on any department results in low morale, increased stress and decreased productivity. Other key issues include low pay and the lack of employee protections such as (civil service). Many neighboring police agencies attract our employees away from Williamson County Sheriff's Office because of pay and benefits as well as civil service protections. Both are very attractive enticements. Williamson County Sheriff's Office needs comparative salaries and benefits to compete with agencies around the county and state.
Q. What makes you the best candidate for sheriff?
A. My tenure with the City of Houston spanned 32 years. Nine years with the Fire Department as a captain/paramedic/fire fighter and 23 years with the Police Department. I have served on several task force teams involving federal agencies working on cocaine smuggling and money laundering. From many perspectives in public service I have learned what makes a great leader of men—integrity, honesty, fairness, and a passion for public safety. These are not just ethical qualities of my work, they are who I am. I will work tirelessly to provide the men and women of the Williamson County Sheriff's Office with leadership they can trust and respect. Great leaders inspire greatness in the people they command. I will strive to inspire my employees who in turn will provide excellence in service to the people of Williamson County.
