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David Eason and Daniel Pena are vying for the position of Montgomery County Precinct 2 constable. The position is open following the retirement of Gene DeForest, who held the position since 2001.
Early voting starts Feb. 20, and the election day is March 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
What priorities do you have over the course of your term if elected?
Ensuring officers receive updated training is crucial to adapt to changing times in policing. Prioritizing their safety and effectiveness through contemporary training programs fosters community trust and equips them to handle evolving challenges responsibly and efficiently.
What are the biggest challenges facing law enforcement currently?
Law enforcement grapples with challenges such as community distrust, technological advancements in crime, mental health crises, and navigating complex social issues. Striking a balance between public safety and individual rights while addressing systemic concerns is crucial in the dynamic landscape law enforcement faces today.
Are there any structural or service changes you would like to make to the department?
Initiating change in Precinct 2, I'd prioritize selecting new command staff and address deputies' concerns in meetings. These insights guide necessary changes, fostering a productive and professional culture. This inclusive approach lays the groundwork for positive transformation within the precinct.
How will you work in conjunction with surrounding agencies to best serve Precinct 2?
With a proven track record, I've collaborated extensively with surrounding agencies as a paramedic, volunteer firefighter, and senior planner at the Office of Emergency Management. Coordinating large-scale training events reflects my commitment to effective inter-agency cooperation, emphasizing preparedness and seamless collaboration for optimal emergency response.
What priorities do you have over the course of your term if elected?
First and foremost, constables must carry out their constitutional duties of ensuring that the civil process of the county is carried out efficiently and professionally. It is also a constitutional duty of constables to enforce the laws within their precincts while being fiscally conservative and transparent in our duties.
What are the biggest challenges facing law enforcement currently?
Population growth in the county and in Precinct 2 is ever expanding. Multifamily housing changes the dynamic of civil process and adds increased law enforcement needs across the county. A 10-year study and growth projection of law enforcement and civil service to the community needs to be evaluated.
Are there any structural or service changes you would like to make to the department?
We are currently working on implementing COMPSTAT data-driven policing dashboards to enable deputies to have real time access to crime trends as they happen to enable swift saturation of areas experiencing crime surges. This removes random patrol models and allocates resources where they matter the most.
How will you work in conjunction with surrounding agencies to best serve Precinct 2?
Over my 25 year career in law enforcement, I have been able to develop many relationships with law enforcement leaders and elected officials across the region. As constable, I will leverage these relationships to ensure that we have open lines of communications with all area agencies and elected officials.
