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?
a) To continue the strong work begun under my predecessor, Constable Don Chumley
b) To continue my sworn oath to protect and serve the residents of my precinct
c) I am uniquely qualified to run for this office as I have been a leading officer in it for decades
Thus, there is absolutely no conflict of interest; my interest has been as an officer in this office for 20 years now
What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?
I have worked closely with the current constable of 20 years, Don Chumley, who selected me as his choice to succeed him based on my qualifications and experience in his office. I have effectively been his "Num ber 2 Man" for years, and he has imparted all of his knowledge of the office and what it takes to lead it to me.
My qualifications and experience include:
- Graduated from the Texas A&M Police Academy in 1980.
- Shortly thereafter, joined the Harris County Precinct I Constable's office.
- In the mid-1980s, transitioned to the Houston Belt and Terminal Railway Company as a Special Agent and Railroad Detective.
- In 1995 joined the Montgomery County Constable's Office as a Precinct 1 Deputy.
- Within two years, I was promoted to Sergeant, then promoted to Lieutenant.
- In 1999, I was promoted to the rank of Captain, in which capacity I've served ever since.
- From 1995 to 2005, I was a "drug dog cop" with my able canine partner Sam, conducting drug sweeps and student presentations.
- In 2001, I also gained Sheba, a bom b dog, due to my fundraising initiative with the Optimists Club in Conroe and private donations. My dogs and I partnered until 2005.
HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS
- Master Police Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which is the highest such certification a Peace Officer can obtain.
- Civil Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
- Texas Justice of the Peace & Constable Association -Constable Leadership Institute - Graduate of Leadership Institution
- Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas -Constables Leadership College Graduate
What do you see as the 3 major challenges for your office over this next term?
- The surging growth of Montgomery County; we need to be prepared to handle it
- Effectively managing the resources given to the department, given that the legislature does not mai ntain any consistency and we need to be prepared to adapt at a moment 's notice
- Ensuring the department -which must grow as the county population grows -maintains its ability to protect and serve effectively
What goals do you have in mind, if you are elected, and to which you want to be measured against in the coming term?
My primary goal is to continue the strong work that my predecessor, Constable Dom Chumley, has effective managed over the past two decades. Have worked closely with and under him , I have intimate i nside knowledge of what has worked, and my own thoughts on what can be changed , improved, and i ntroduced. Don Chumley measures me against him, and I can't think of a better person against whom to be measured
Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents? Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.
By their own nature, they need to be living documents, to a certain extent. There are currently 27 amendments to the US Constitution, and one was even repealed by another. The first ten amendments, which became the Bill of Rights, were established by the very framers of the original constitution , so they know it must be allowed to change with times.
That being said, I believe with every fiber of my being that the constitutions of both my country and my state must be folJowed without hesitation. Despite certain administrations' attempts to bypass constitutional rule, there are a series of checks and balances that ensure these documents remain our foundation.
What is the job of a Constable?
The primary duty of a Constable is to ensure his office is committed to protect and preserve a safe community. The Constable's department strives to provide courteous law enforcement with integrity, respect and professionalism.
Among the typical law enforcement duties provided by any constable's office, Precinct Ialso provides law enforcement and safety for Lake Conroe. Itserves "mental health warrants" and criminal warrants. Criminal Warrants Division and the Mental Health Division. Itprovides law enforcement services to Willis Independent School District, with the goal to provide the students and staff with a safe learning and teaching environment. The office has acquired dogs that are specifically trained to detect drugs and explosive devices. In cooperation with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, this department assists the Sex Offender Compliance Unit with unannounced checks of registered sex offender and makes sure that they are in compliance. This office also is attached with the Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years):
Montgomery County Livestock Show & Rodeo
Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.
I believe it is a voter's duty to thoroughly research the candidates and their positons and experience. A voter should be encouraged to contact the candidates and interrogate them until all their questions are answered to their satisfaction.
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?
From a local HOA to a federal government, there is always the possibility of corruption.By trusting those you work with and for, and by ensuring you lead by example the highest moral qualities, and be ruthless in the punishment of corruption, and by proper vetting proced ures, this department can continue to remain corruption free.
How many hours a week working cases does it take to be a "good" law enforcement officer?
As many as it takes
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?
I believe continuing education is essential for maximum efficiency in this department (indeed, some of it is mandatory), so as relevant opportunities to learn arise, Ibelieve both myself and my staff should take full advantage of them. However, a balance must be struck so that there is plenty of time and opportunity to implement what has learned (I believe up to two weeks per year could be dedicated to additional learning).
What have you done to prepare for serving in this role?
In short, I have spent my entire adult life as a law enforcement officer, and T have spent the past 20 years being in the very department and office which Iwish to lead . Under the tutelage of Don Chumley, the existing Constable, I have spent every day learning from the best while at the same time bei ng trusted by my boss to implement my own ideas and procedures.
Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?
Don Chumley, the current (and retiring) Precinct l Constable who has held that position for two decades
