Sheriff face-off
McBride, Newman square off for nomination
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Ronnie McBride

Early voting for the Democratic runoff for Jasper County Sheriff begins Monday, March 31 and runs through April 4. In an effort to better introduce the candidate to the public, The Jasper Newsboy posed nine questions to Ronnie McBride and Mitchel Newman on the eve of the runoff election, which be will Tuesday, April 8.

The questions are listed with the

responses from each candidate.

What makes you the best-qualified candidate for this position?

NEWMAN: I am the best candidate for this position for several reasons. One is that I have been a life-long resident of Jasper County. I know the people of this county. I know the roads being a License and Weight Officer and the streets being the only candidate that has worn the uniform as a fulltime Deputy Sheriff. I have worked all types of crimes from taking the initial report all the way through the prosecution phase. I have numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the county that would assist me and the department in times of

need. I have a good working relationship with our local law enforcement agencies. I have been actively involved for many years with charitable organizations and youth programs. Working with these types of organizations has helped me to be able to communicate and work well with others. I know how to respond to the needs of the citizens of our county and I pledge not be to a 9-5 Sheriff.

Mitchel Newman

McBRIDE: If re-elected, I will bring approximately 40 years of Law Enforcement experience back into the Sheriff's Office. In my first three years as your Sheriff, I have proven the ability to: Direct and coordinate the activities of multiple agencies to provide citizen safety, maintain order, and limit crime during periods of disaster; Reduce the rate of reported crimes against persons and property and increase the clearance rate for these offenses; Re-organize and operate a Jail facility that consistently meets State standards and generates income for the county; Listen to Jasper County citizens' law enforcement concerns and address those issues in the best possible manner with the personnel and funds available; Conduct the affairs of the Sheriff's Office in a fair and ethical manner.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the Sheriff's Department?

NEWMAN: I feel the biggest challenge faced by the Sheriff's Department today is earning back the respect and support of the citizens of Jasper County. Many citizens feel as if the Sheriff's office is not concerned with their problems and worries. I want to change this for our citizens. The words, "I only have one officer on duty" will not be heard if I am elected as your Sheriff. I know what the Sheriff's Office goes through on a daily basis and I know what is needed to assist them in doing their job to their most potential. I intend to restore that feeling of pride and return the Sheriff's Department to an office that serves its citizens effectively and efficiently. I will hire local individuals to work as employees within the Department, where they will have a true and honest concern for the communities they live in. I will utilize my staff effectively, and all personnel will be expected to perform to the fullest extent. I feel that the Sheriff should have an open door policy for his deputies so that they can come to him with their concerns.

McBRIDE: Providing the best level of law enforcement with the budgeted funds provided.

What management skills would you put to use in the management of the Jasper County Jail?

NEWMAN: I would evaluate the budget and decrease overspending to relieve the burden on the taxpayers. As a former Deputy Sheriff, I am familiar with the officers working in the jail, and of the protocols and procedures that the jail utilizes. Working closely with the jail staff I would be able to establish a loss prevention team. I would also maintain and operate the jail at maximum capacity by offering housing to other agencies such as with inmates from the federal prison system to increase revenue for the county. Ralph Nichols, who has been a Jasper County Constable for Pct. 2 for many years, is going to be my Chief Deputy. He brings to the table many years of experience and knowledge of the law. Together we will be a working team.

McBRIDE: The Jasper County Jail facility has been reorganized and staffed to operate in compliance with State standards. It is my intention to continue to apply best practices in the efficient, safe, and secure operation of the facility.

Many believe we have a major drug problem in the county, what would you do in the next four years to combat this issue?

NEWMAN: I agree that there is a major drug problem in Jasper County, and it is time for this problem to be properly addressed. I would first start by reassigning the proper number of officers back to the Patrol Department, so that there would be effective law enforcement coverage all over Jasper County. I would work directly with state and federal authorities to properly initiate drug enforcement programs in Jasper County. I would seek out the cooperation of neighboring counties and cities to form a multiagency drug task force to actively work drug investigations to properly solve this problem that has plagued our county. I would see that the Sheriff's employees continue to be trained and educated on narcotic investigations.

McBRIDE: Drug enforcement is, and will continue to, be an area of enforcement, which will receive attention by the Sheriff's Office. Proper drug enforcement requires personnel and many man hours. I will continue to request additional funding for Deputies for this purpose. There are limited budget funds and many areas of law enforcement to address.

The Buna area has long cried for more police support. How would you address this issue?

NEWMAN: As stated earlier, I would restructure the officers; bring back the Patrol Division to allow additional officers to the south end of Jasper County. For example, supervisors will not be assigned just to work in the Jasper office. They will all answer calls for service and assist in patrolling the whole county. Even as the Sheriff, I would take calls and work the streets. I would work with the Commissioner's Court to address future law enforcement needs in the county and would properly justify any requests made for additional personnel if needed after restructuring is completed. There will be no more excuses.

McBRIDE: Increasing services for the Buna area, or any other area, will only occur if additional funding is available for additional Deputies. Buna recently attempted to incorporate for the purpose of operating a municipal police department. That issue failed to pass.

What do you believe the role of Sheriff fills in this department?

NEWMAN: The Sheriff is a Texas Peace Officer, just like the deputies that serve under him. He should be expected to be a leader to his deputies in times of emergencies or routine daily shifts. Mitchel Newman will be a Sheriff that will be out with my deputies until the last one has completed his or her task at a crime scene. When my deputies are sick or on vacation, I will work to fill their place. I have never asked a person to do something that I would not do myself.

McBRIDE: The Sheriff in any jurisdiction is ultimately responsible for protecting its citizens, providing law enforcement activities to apprehend violators, and deter the commission of crime. The Sheriff's role is to provide overall management of all Sheriff's Office operations. This includes identifying and directing enforcement priorities, addressing citizens concerns regarding crime in their area, directing personnel assignments to ensure the most efficient and effective use of available personnel and funding, ensuring fiscal responsibility by monitoring the Office's budget, and maintaining a welltrained competent staff.

How would you get the community more involved with the Sheriff's Department and get more support from the community?

NEWMAN: I would get the Sheriff's office more involved in the community by opening up communications with them. As stated before, I will have an open door policy where any citizen could come in and see me or pick up the phone and talk to me. I would write a weekly local media report to publish where the citizens of the county would know what was taking place. I would seek out government grants to create more programs and encourage townhall meetings to gather public input to properly address the needs of the public. I will work with local communities to increase the presence of neighborhood Watch programs. If there is enough citizen support, I will work to create a Citizens on Patrol program.

McBRIDE: I would continue to foster open lines of communication with Jasper County citizens and continue to routinely visit with community members about law enforcement issues within our county. I would continue to urge Jasper County citizens to contact the Sheriff's Office to report suspicious activity or to visit with specific problems and concerns. Community support and assistance is a critical part of any law enforcement program.

How do you feel you will or have worked with the Jasper County District Attorney's office?

NEWMAN: I have the utmost respect for the District Attorney and his staff. They have worked efficiently and earnestly during the past year and I look forward to working with them in the future. I worked with the District Attorney's office regularly in the past as a Sheriff's Deputy and will ensure that all of my officers will work hard to present their cases professionally and quickly in order for the District Attorney to effectively prosecute the crimes of Jasper County.

McBRIDE: Every effort has been made to assist and cooperate with the District Attorney's Office regarding criminal cases submitted for prosecution.

I am not aware of anything other than a high degree of cooperation between the Sheriff 's Office and the DA's Office. I think this is evidenced by the number of cases, which have been prosecuted or brought to successful resolution.

What message would you want to send to the people of Jasper County concerning this decision?

NEWMAN: The message that I would like to send the citizens of this county is that I am a workingman who will work alongside my officers and employees.

I will be your Sheriff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. I have done my very best to let it be known that I care about this county; that I care about you.

I will listen to your concerns and I will be the very best Sheriff that I can be. I thank you for your support in the primary and I ask for your vote in the runoff.

Working together we can make Jasper County a better place to live. It is time for NEW-MAN.

McBRIDE: It has been a privilege to serve as your Sheriff for the past three years and we have made many positive changes in your Sheriff's Office.

I have the experience and proven abilities to provide you with the best law enforcement services possible.

I will work toward further reduction in crime to provide you with a safer community.

Your Sheriff's Office will be run in an open, honest, and ethical manner with all citizens treated equally.