Have you ever been arrested? Ever had any tax liens? If so, start & resolution dates?
No.
What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?
The three main reasons I am running for office are first, by working in law enforcement for many years, I have seen a lot of problems and heard many grievances. I want to be in a position where I can effectively correct those problems. Second, I want to build a good relationship with the public. I believe there is a disconnect between law enforcement and citizens. I want to bring back good community policing. Third, the current Constable is retiring. Looking at the other candidates, I do not feel any of the candidates will bring new ideas to the position. Because of my deep conviction for law enforcement, the position of Constable is greater than myself. I believe I am the person that can drive this department forward. I do not see any potential conflicts of interest as Constable.
What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?
The qualifications and experiences that make me the best candidate include. Promoting through the ranks in the Marine Corps has taught me how to supervise people especially in high stress situations. The decisions I made in a combat zone while in Iraq could determine whether or not my Marines went home.
My time as a Texas State Trooper has taught me the fundamentals of law enforcement as well as working with other agencies. Both my time, in the military and with the Department of Public Safety, has taught me the importance of coordinating with other agencies to complete the objectives.
During my time in both military and in law enforcement I have worked under good and bad supervision/Management. I have learned how an effective supervision can greatly enhance productivity and moral.
Currently I am helping to manage a security firm for a international oil and gas company which has given me the opportunity to enhanced my supervision skills. I am able to interact with prominent foreign nationals, which has helped my communication skills.
What do you see as the 3 major challenges for your office over this next term?
The three major challenges for my office over this next term will be transitioning to a new era of leadership within the department while establishing new leadership guidelines. Creating new working relationships with other county officials, and developing a good community policing environment within the precinct.
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 goals I have in mind if I am elected include, more visibility on the streets, establishing good community policing, enhancing the departments presence on Lake Conroe, establishing a robust warrant division, and increasing the effectiveness of the patrol division. I will strive to be measured on fairness, honesty, and leadership skills by earning the respect of the public.
Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents? Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.
The framers of both Constitutions wisely spoke in general terms which left succeeding generations the task of applying that language to the changing environment in which they would live. As a living document there are ways to make changes through ratifying new amendments or repealing old, however the United States Constitution has largely gone unchanged since ratification in 1789, with exceptions to several amendments. Most of the “Living Document” term comes from interpretations of the document by the judiciary, which doesn’t change the documents language but alters the course of its meaning through interpretations and rulings.
The Texas Constitution is very much a living document, as it has been ratified and changed hundreds of times since its creation. It is far easier to make changes and ratify new amendments under the law in Texas by allowing the people to have a voice in those changes. This is unlike the U.S. Constitution, where only the legislative branches of either the states or federal government have the ability to make changes. In that sense, the people are vastly removed from the decision making process, which goes against the wishes of the framers when the documents were envisioned.
What is the job of a Constable?
The foremost duties of the Constable are civil process, warrants, as well as providing Bailiffs for the Justice of the Peace. A Constable also serves as a licensed police office. The Constable performs law enforcement functions within the county to serve as a force multiplier to strengthen the presence of law enforcement in the county, and specifically Precinct 1.
Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years):
Decker Prairie Church of Christ, Pro Life Campaign, Marie Corps Association, Marine Corps League, Wayne Mack Prayer breakfast, Wounded Warriors, and Salvation Army.
Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.
The best way for a voter to determine who is not only qualified but prepared to run a Constable’s office, is by looking at a person for who they are and consider their professional growth over the years. I have consistently demonstrated my professional development throughout my time as a law enforcement officer and as a Marine NCO. My family and I are very involved with Decker Prairie Church, and serving my fellow law enforcement officers and Marines in many civic organizations throughout our community.
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?
Corruption can happen at any level of any government or business. Any time you have administrators not leaders running a department or office, you will have complacency, which breads corruption. I will immediately bring leadership to our constable’s office, ensuring the needs and goals of the citizens we serve are addressed. By being visible to the public and our employees, the chances of corruptions decrease. If corruption is suspected or found, it will immediately be reported to the District Attorney’s office for investigation while that individual is place on immediate leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
How many hours a week working cases does it take to be a "good" law enforcement officer?
Depends on the individual people learn in different ways, I do not think you can put a time on that.
I do believe the longer you work in the field the better and faster you will become at completing your work and become a better officer.
How many days off per year should the officeholder of this position take to learn (seminars & workshops) or teach (give educational or motivational talks) or network with other county officials?
As a candidate for Constable, a question relating to the sheriffs operations or policies should be directed at the candidates for that office. As a leader and not an administrator I would want only the days off per year as required by law for me to attend continuing education courses. Otherwise I want to be highly visible with every deputy and within the precinct working with citizens on a daily basis.
What have you done to prepare for serving in this role?
I have been in law enforcement for many years from DPS which taught me how to work with other agencies; I have had Precinct One holding my commission for three years now so I’m familiar with the department already. My time in the military has also taught me to be a good leader.
Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?
My campaign for this office has just begun and I meet people from all across our community, at this time I have no formal endorsements but I wholeheartedly expect endorsements in due time.
