Have you ever been arrested? Ever had any tax liens? If so, start & resolution dates?

I have never been arrested or had any tax liens.

 

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

The knowledge I’ve gained and taught over the 33 years I have been Constable make me the best qualified candidate. I enjoy and am happy serving the people of our community, county and surrounding areas. This office provides me with the opportunity to continue giving back to the community and having a positive impact on the youth in our community. No potential conflicts of interest at all.

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

I have 33 years experience as Constable of Pct 5 where we have grown from 2 employees to 22 employees. Continuing education to meet changing laws & rules of the Court. Member of the Justice of the Peace Constable Association where I have taught Justice of the Peace, Constables and Deputy Constables Civil Process.

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

Keeping up with growth. Keeping abreast of new laws & regulations. Listen to & respond to community needs.

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

If re­elected, I plan to continue to protect & serve our community. I want to have the best Constable Office in the State of Texas and continue to operate under Christian principles.

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

I believe in and swear to abide by the Constitution of the State of Texas.

What is the job of a Constable? 

As per the Texas Constitution...to work for & with the Courts. Also, to take care of the needs of the community.

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

The money raised at my fundraisers directly go back to the community. We donate to the schools, PTO, FFA, Magnolia Support Group, Bands, Athletics, Choir, Theatre and various other fundraisers throughout the year. We also donate to the area churches, SOS, Intercept, Military Organizations, Boys & Girls Scouts and numerous other benefits throughout the year. Once a year (every year), we give out scholarships to Magnolia High and Magnolia West Seniors to help those students who are going to college. I have not donated to union organizations. I have donated to elected officials and candidates the past 33 years. I believe in supporting those in our community that run for public office based on their experience, integrity and their Christian beliefs.

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

Qualifications, education, experience. Observation of the candidate throughout their years in law enforcement.

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?

I think there are possibilities for corruption in any government agency. I would aggressively pursue any type of corruption.

How many hours a week working cases does it take to be a "good" law enforcement officer?

This is not something that can be quantified by hours alone, each case is different. Every law enforcement officer should be dedicating all the time and resources necessary to solve the case.

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?

This is not something that can be quantified by hours alone, each case is different. Every law enforcement officer should be dedicating all the time and resources necessary to solve the case.

What have you done to prepare for serving in this role?

A total of 48 years in law enforcement. 15 of those years with The State of Texas­Criminal Justice System and as a State Trooper. The past 33 years as Constable of Montgomery County Pct 5.

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

My family

My Deputies & Staff

My loyal friends & Supporters

Sheriff Tommy Gage

County Commissioners Mike Meador, Charlie Riley, and Jim Clark

Craig & Amy Doyal

State Rep Cecil Bell Jr

Masden Family

Phil Grant

Brett Ligon Rand Henderson

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

Adjustments can be made in Increased Manpower Updated Equipment

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

I don’t take any federal funds due to the restrictions placed on the funds. All federal funds are handled & administered through the number one Law Enforcement Agency in the County which is the Sheriff Dept.

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

All records (except juvenille) are available through The Open Records Act. The budget is posted on Montgomery County website. All my campaign reports are available to the public and can be accessed through Montgomery County Election Central.

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 familiar with Strong Cities Network, to my knowledge it has not been introduced to Montgomery County. I would be willing to work with any and all law enforcement to help with the safety of our citizens.

I would have to understand and know how this network works before I can make any comments or suggestions .

What is your position of dash/body cams & public availability of that info

I have no problems with cameras of any kind. I believe in complete transparency. It not only helps with the cases presented to the District Attorney but it helps the public perception of my office and its deputies.  The information gathered should be available to anyone who request it.

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?

As for my department, I hire based on the best qualified.