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Home » 2024-03-05 Republican primary » Justice Precinct 2 » Constable, Precinct 2 » Daniel Pena

Daniel Pena
Party Republican
Website http://penaforpct2constable.com/
Born Los Angeles, CA
Education Undergrad In Homeland Security and Emergency Management,Graduate Degree in Security Management
Occupation Sheriff Deputy/Senior Planner
Religion Christian
Marital Married
Children 7

Daniel Pena

declared

MCTP Score of: 83 Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2024-02-06 20:11:13

Pros

  • Has broad-base of law enforcement experience, including a SWAT officer and up to the highest level (Homeland Security)
  • Military (Army) background • Certified peace officer for approximately 20 years.
  • Currently holds a master peace officer certification and numerous instructor certifications.
  • Helped develop & launch the Special Threats Training facility which focuses on Active Shooter response
  • Helped improve the security of all Montgomery County Courts
  • Undergrad degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, as well as a Graduate degree in Security Management
  • Responsible for creating, updating and managing all county emergency plans
  • Wants to be the decision-maker.
  • Personable, cares about the citizens, and families.
  • Is involved in many local organizations with various objecitves.
  • He helped MCRP with the GALA, offered to help again, Pachyderms, Veterans groups....  More

10/9/23 Video Interview Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2023-12-20 13:33:56

 

Questionnaire

General

What is the job of the position you are running for?

The first reason is, I feel the people of Precinct 2 deserve an agency that provides coverage 24/7. Precinct 2 is an agency that is still policing 20 years behind everyone else. The deputies are not provided the support they need to grow. The second reason, I'm considered a Subject Matter Expert in many areas and because of that I’m influential in my perspective field. I have helped improve the security of all Montgomery County Courts in the downtown Conroe area by conducting a security assessment. I have also helped develop and launch the Special Threats Training facility which focuses on Active Shooter response. My intention is implementing programs like the one's previously mentioned with public safety in mind. With these programs the law enforcement officers of Montgomery County will be better equipped to respond to any situation regardless of manmade or natural. These are a few examples of my commitment to the safety of the community and the citizens. Third reason, I feel that I can provide the citizens an agency that would be second to none. Providing the deputies training and equipment they badly need. The officers would be some of the best trained and equipped deputies Montgomery County has seen.

What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

I have been a certified peace officer for approximately 20 years. I currently hold a master peace officer certification and numerous instructor certifications. I served on MCSO SWAT for over 19 years and was assigned to the County's fulltime SWAT team for over 12 years as a team leader and trainer. I have helped train and prepare local and federal officers in various areas of law enforcement. I was also the Dignitary detail lead that had 25 deputies assigned to the unit. I am one of the leading Active Shooter trainers in Montgomery County. I have led and dealt with various high threat situations in and around Montgomery County. As well has having extensive training in every aspect of law enforcement I hold an undergrad degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, as well as a Graduate degree in Security Management. My current position is the Senior Planner for the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In that position I supervise the planning section which is responsible for creating, updating and managing all county emergency plans. To include such plans as the Special threats and terrorism annexes. As you can see, I have focused in all aspects of improving myself as an officer and public servant which in return provides the citizens the best candidate possible. The Sheriff’s office and Emergency management have entrusted me with leading several programs that impact the citizens of Montgomery County.

Please describe the qualifications and experience that make you the best candidate for the office you are seeking.

First and foremost, I would enforce Texas laws to the letter of the law. I would apply it equally to everyone my deputies would come in contact with. Regardless of status. If an illegal has committed a crime and we are lawfully able to arrest we would do just that. We would deliver them to the county jail and notify ICE as we are supposed to. If they choice not to act I will good concise would know, That I did so in the best interest of the citizens of Montgomery County.

Give at least 3 examples from your past record that will convince voters that you are / will be a Constitutional Law Enforcement Officer

There aren’t three things that I can pinpoint. What I can do is show my track record of firearms training in license to carry course for civilians. I have a continued drive to ensure our community is prepared for any and all emergencies. I believe that a well-trained person is less likely to rely on the public safety system.

In the previous question I was asked about illegals, my family has always gone about seeking citizenship legally. My nephew who I have raised for the last 10 years is currently serving on the border with the national Guard. He was born in Mexico and shortly after my brother passed, we were able to get his citizenship straightened out. I believe that I instilled the right beliefs and morals that he is now securing our borders from illegals that are attempting to gain entry illegally.  

The last example would be my track record of enforcing the law equally across the board regardless of color, sex, and or status.

What goals do you have in mind, if you are elected, and to which you want to be measured against in the coming term?

The main goal I want to accomplish is addressing the lack of training the deputies are receiving. I have personally led several Active Shooter response trainings and I can honestly say that the one agency that has participated the least has been Precinct 2. We all know that Active Shooter response is a hot topic especially after the black eye Texas Law enforcement received due to the Uvalde response. Ensuring each and every officer regardless of rank and experience would be required to attend each and every Active Shooter training offered. This is just an example of the training that they have not been able to receive. The second goal I have in mind is in line with training and that’s standards, implementing standards that would be applied to everyone. If these standards will ensure we provide the county a professional and well-trained deputy.

What is the most important action needed to make Montgomery County safer?

Training, let me explain. A well-trained officer reduces complain able incidents. If an officer is trained in mental health, they are less likely to mis handle an individual in mental health crises. An officer trained in defensive tactics is less likely to resort to deadly force when not needed. A well-trained officer in Active shooter response will respond accordingly and effectively. An officer trained in emergency vehicle operations is likely to cause and or have an accident during emergency vehicle operations. A well-trained officer in firearms is less likely to miss a target. An officer trained in advanced first aid will be able to render aid as soon as possible increasing survivability.

What do you see as the 3 major challenges for your office over this next term?

The issue that’s stand out the most would obviously be the transition from the Current Constable to a new one. Reason being that the current Constable has held office for almost 24 years. Leaving a lasting impression on many of the officers currently employed there. Changing the culture, they have worked in for an unknown number of years would be a challenge.

One of the issues is also the biggest issue, the agency is not a manned 24-hour agency. My goal would be to adjust the hours of our deputies which will provide the citizens of Montgomery County extra officers. This will also help the Sheriff's office in responding to calls that may be on hold until a Sheriff’s deputy is available to respond.

Another goal would be to grow the agency in way that would have little impact on the tax payers of the county

Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.

Every time I speak with a voter who has little to no knowledge of the candidates, I ask them to look up and compare resumes and Bios. Once they do that, I ask them to reach out to the candidate if they have any questions they need clarified. When I am speaking about myself, I let them know Actions speak louder than words and my continued drive and commitment is never wavering.

Where do you think the possibility for corruption resides in county government?  How would you handle it in your department, even if you think there is none?

When there is no oversight. When an individual has access to funds with little to no oversight. Checks and balances should not be the only reason someone stays honest but it definitely helps. If corruption were to occur in my agency I would handle it swiftly, effectively and transparently. Regardless of who it may be or why did what they did.

Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents? Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.

I believe that the United States and Texas constitutions are living documents. Take the 2nd amendment, when the Constitution was written they talked about weapons such as muskets, canons for example. The constitution should be interpreted in present times. Many examples you read about are usually focused on our weapons. Liberals want to take our AR style weapons because in their words; our founding fathers didn’t mean "Assault Rifles that can shoot 100 rounds per minute". A right to bear arms is a right to bear arms, period. Times change. It can also be applied to the 4th amendment which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Technology didn’t nullify our 4th amendment right; the constitution should still apply. 

Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years):

I have been part of several organizations over the last five years.

I served as a board member on the Montgomery County Pachyderms and eventually as the Vice president.

I served as a board member and worked my way all the way up as vice president then president of the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Association.

I was elected as the first president of the Hispanic Conservatives of Montgomery County

I currently serve as a Commission member on the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park.

I served as the vice President of the Conroe Area Girls Softball Association.

I served as the President of my HOA

I volunteer for Team Rubicon which is an organization that responses to disasters around the world.

I served and continue to serve on several committes for the Montgomery County Fair Association

I am an associate member of several republican womens group.

What will you do to ensure that the Texan rule of law prevails over the Biden federal law enforcement policies that allow illegals to operate in Montgomery County?

The primary task of a Texas Constable is to serve legal documents as required by the Texas Constitution. As the elected Constable I would be tasked with ensuring we provide the best deputies possible for our citizens. We can be also be a force multiplier for the Sheriff's office and Police departments.

Budget

How will you improve the transparency and access to financial and other records for the public?

What I will do is have an open-door policy for any and all Montgomery County citizen. My plan is to be as transparent as possible. That inlcudes our deputy conduct and the financial handling of the adminstration. Adhering to the open record request act is obviously the main way. Cooperation with those that submit the request would also be a priority.

What are the top 3 areas where the budget for this office needs to be adjusted?

Man power is still an issue, it is an agency that has seen a little growth, sadly not by the doing of the constable. The Second is still an issue which is coverage and schedule. Evaluating the schedule and adjusting the shifts of those deputies to provide more officers on the street throughout the duration of the day. The third issue continues to grow exponentially and that is the extremely large core of reserves and specialty unit such as a mounted posse. Those are still unpaid positions but may require funding for such things as uniforms and such. Evaluation the need for such a large group would also be a priority.

Other civil liberty

What is your knowledge/opinion on Strong Cities Network?  What action would you take if the Biden administration attempts to implement it?

I am not intimately familiar with it. My perception of it is a way to leverage cities into doing what the federal government wants. By using federal funds that could later be used as a crutch for the cities. Once they become reliant on the money the Federal government can threaten to pull the funding if they don’t cooperate. or they can continue to subsidize those cities that function as sanctuary cities

Ethics

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcies?

After my first divorce I was forced to file for banctruptcy back in 2000. In 2001 I was arrested for a Class C warrant for unpaid citations. I was detained for two days, Also due to my first divorce Both were disclosed to my background investigator which had no effect on my hiring with the agency.  

How much of a problem is county hiring based on the "good old boy" / "loyalty to leadership" instead of one's ability to efficiently and ethically perform their tasks and functions? and what can realistically be done about it?

This is a problem that has gone on far too long. I do believe that there is and has been a problem within the county of "good ole boy" hiring. As I said in my last questionnaire, a good way of combating the problem would be to strictly enforce the nepotism laws. I have been an advocate of standing on your own merits and accomplishments. Hiring someone or endorsing one simply because their relatives or sir names only hurts the citizens of Montgomery County. 

Immigration

What can a Sheriff/Constable do to remove enclaves of illegals from their County & why hasn't that been done in Montgomery County?

We are fortunate enough that we do not have an illegal enclave in Montgomery County, sadly we can say that about our neighboring county of Liberty. Illegal enclaves can quickly turn into a law enforcement nightmare. As the Constable I would ensure that my deputies were actively patrolling those enclaves and enforcing our laws to any all personal. Many of our neighboring jurisdiction are either under manned or just flat out refuse to enforce our laws. I would make it a priority to spend as much time in those communities enforcing our traffic laws as well as any and all laws that apply. 

Other

What is your position on taking federal money for your department?

I can only answer that question by saying, it depends. The reason I say that is because I was part of a task force that used federal funds. The funds were only used to pay overtime. No positions were paid for with the funds.  If the task force officers failed to use all allotted money it was sent back to the government. If the agency becomes dependent on the federal funds it could later be used against them to do their bidding. We have seen many instances of strings attached to federal funds. This is not something I would want to do.