A closer look
Fort Bend County covers 885 square miles and includes municipalities such as Sugar Land, Katy, Missouri City, Richmond and Stafford, per the county website. It's also considered one of the most diverse counties in the country and one of the fastest-growing counties in the region, according to demographers from the U.S. Census Bureau and Woods & Poole.
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. For more information about voting in Fort Bend County, visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov.
Sonny Colunga
Experience:
41 years of law enforcement, 33 years executive command level experience, 10 years as command ...
Occupation:
Retired September 2023
Contact Information:
https://sonnycolungaforsheriff.org
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I know with my experience and passion in law enforcement, I will have a direct impact on public safety. I have specific plans for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the sheriff’s office. Ultimately, running for sheriff provides me with the opportunity to serve and make a positive difference …
What is your top priority if elected?
As a newly elected sheriff my top priority would be to enhance community engagement and build strong relationships with the citizens. This would include implementing community policing strategies, organizing town hall meetings, and collaborating with local community and business leaders to address the concerns and needs of the community.
What needs does the county face, and what plan would you make to tackle those needs?
The county faces various safety needs that require attention and planning to ensure the well-being of its residents. Some of the common safety needs is reducing crime rates, improving emergency response times to calls for service, enhancing community policing, and promoting public safety awareness.
As the population in Fort Bend County continues to grow, how do you plan to keep crime rates down?
As the population in Fort Bend County continues to grow, it is crucial to implement effective strategies to ensure the safety of its residents and keep crime rates low. One approach could be: Enhance community policing efforts by increasing police presence in high crime areas and fostering strong relations …
The legislative session brought school safety mandates. What do you believe is the best way to ensure school safety and what role should be the county’s role in that?
Ensuring school safety requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration among various stakeholders. The best way to ensure school safety includes implementing strict security measures, such as controlled access points, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans. It is crucial to provide training for school staff and students on identifying and ...
Eric Fagan (incumbent)
Experience:
Successfully led the sheriffs office for the past 3 1/2 years accomplishing many firsts
Occupation:
Fort Bend County sheriff
Candidate Website:
https://www.ericfagan.com
Contact Information:
832-692-9784
Why did you choose to run in this election?
To continue the work we started in keeping FBC one of the safest counties. Fiscally responsible by auditing the medical contract which resulted in over $700,000 being returned to the county. Creation of Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Foundation which raises money for equipment, training, and technology for the SO.
What is your top priority if elected?
Keeping the people of FBC safe. The collaboration I have built with local, state, and federal agencies which helped us to take drugs, guns, and violent criminals off the streets. Utilizing more technology to fight crime, continuing to request raises for deputies building upon the 4%-20% I already obtained.
What needs does the county face, and what plan would you make to tackle those needs?
To retain and hire the best qualified deputies. Working with commissioners for pay increases, pay for cadet training, incentive pay for education and bilingual pay. I have reached out to state reps and congressional members to address the pay issues and am working with them on solutions that involve legislation.
As the population in Fort Bend County continues to grow, how do you plan to keep crime rates low?
Law enforcement nationwide is facing manpower shortages. We must be proactive in using technology, which we started in 2022 with The Fusus platform, which is widely used and Real-Time Crime Center platform in the U.S. Obtaining grants for LPR’s (License Plate Readers). This is a force multiplier.
The legislative session brought school safety mandates. What do you believe is the best way to ensure school safety, and what should be the county’s role in that?
Bringing the heads of law enforcement agencies and area superintendents in FBC together in 2022, to plan how to protect our children. My plan is to have patrol officers stop by schools during shift, putting more eyes on our students. I was recognized as a Rising Lonestar for this initiative.
Geneane Hughes
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What is your top priority if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What needs does the county face, and what plan would you make to tackle those needs?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
As the population in Fort Bend County continues to grow, how do you plan to keep crime rates low?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
The legislative session brought school safety mandates. What do you believe is the best way to ensure school safety, and what should be the county’s role in that?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Pete Luna
Experience:
Nearly three decades of law enforcement experience: Texas Ranger, DPS narcotics sergeant, DPS state trooper
Occupation:
Retired Texas Ranger
Candidate Website:
https://lunaforfbs.com
Contact Information:
346-578-5321
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I decided to run in this election because I care deeply about our community and our residents. The well-being of our communities and how the sheriff’s office functions matter to me. With my wealth of experience and vision for positive change; we can create a better/safer Fort Bend County.
What is your top priority if elected?
My priority will be to revitalize the sheriff’s office. I will immediately implement an aggressive plan to recruit, retain, and train personnel. The training of employees and the development of leaders will be a priority. The sheriff’s office has the potential to set the standard for other police agencies.
What need does the county face and what plan would you make to tackle those needs?
Fort Bend County is experiencing population growth and infrastructure development. To address these challenges, I intend to maximize the number of deputies on patrol, increase the number of detectives, and bolster the ranks of detention officers. This approach is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.
As the population in Fort Bend County continues to grow, how do you plan to keep crime rates low?
Keeping crime rates low requires a comprehensive approach. We will work with all communities to identify and solve problems that contribute to crime. We will work jointly with other departments to maximize service to our residents. We will analyze crime data and utilize outreach programs to help reduce crime.
The legislative session brought school safety mandates. What do you believe is the best way to ensure school safety and what should be the county’s role in that?
To ensure school safety, our employees must receive current and ongoing training, work/train with all first responders on emergency operations, conduct school safety assessments, and utilize technology. Our commitment is to support all school police departments in any manner needed to provide a safe learning environment for our children.
