Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates running for Hays County sheriff

What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?

Hays County Sheriff’s Office is understaffed and requires immediate attention. I would address the staffing issue by working on recruiting and retention efforts getting back to full strength. Next, I would return inmates back to Hays County, removing the excessive costs and liabilities of outsourcing across the state of Texas.

If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?

Being fair, but firm, I am a determined, positive, persistent person who leads by example. Expecting professionalism, striving for excellence, with availability and accountability to all, building a strong bond assuring concerns and expectations are met, strengthening trust and unity in Hays County.

What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?

Everyone should work on reducing cost burdens. I would introduce proven successful programs to reduce the recidivism rate, which will lower the jail population. Returning incarcerated citizens back into society with knowledge, improving their position for success. This coupled with pretrial diversion ideals will ensure achievement of these goals.

What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?

With 30 years experience in the sheriff’s office, I served as Caldwell County Sheriff for 20 years and prior, was a deputy for Hays County. I have been privileged to serve in both counties sheriff’s offices, and I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Hays County as sheriff.

What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?

I will prioritize community trust, transparency and legitimacy by updating training policies, creating a comprehensive plan for community engagement, leveraging technology, and implementing community policing and crime reduction initiatives. Strengthen the student resource officer program, and implement a strategic plan to ensure resource development, career development and competitive pay.

If elected, how do you plan to represent your constituency as a whole?

I will represent Hays County as a humble professional who subscribes to a servant leadership model and treats all walks of life with fairness, equity and compassion with a balance of a high level of accountability, and ready to serve and protect.

What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?

Diversion programs to prevent unnecessary incarceration are imperative. The utilization of effective resources in the jail that prioritize support for staff and inmates' safety, accountability and respect, as is a comprehensive review of use-of-force incidents in the department that focuses on de-escalation techniques for deputies and staff across all divisions.