McBride, Newman battle in runoff
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Jasper County Democratic voters will determine their sheriff's candidate Tuesday, April 8 when incumbent Ronnie McBride faces off against challenger Mitchel Newman.

Early voting runs through Friday, April 4. The winner will face Republican Jim Byerly in the November general election.

McBride is seeking his second term in office and has worked for nearly 40 years as a Texas Peace Officer, serving as a police officer, a Texas Highway patrolman, and a Texas Ranger.

"If re-elected, I will bring approximately 40 years of law enforcement experience back into the sheriff's office," McBride said. "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; reorganize and operate a Jail facility that consistently meets state standards and generates income for the county; listen to Jasper County citizens' law enforce- -ment 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."

Newman, a 1971 graduate of Jasper High School, is a U.S. Army veteran, past member of Local 450, operating engineers. Newman worked 12 years for Temple-Inland as a survey-party chief.

Newman is a graduate of the Angelina College Police Academy and has worked as a weight and license officer for Jasper County and as a Jasper County Sheriff's patrol officer. He is currently commissioned under the district attorney's office.

"I am the best candidate for this position for several reasons," Newman said. "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 full-time Deputy Sheriff.

"I have worked all types of crimes from taking the initial report all the way through the prosecution phase," Newman said.

"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."

Newman garnered 3,354 votes or 43.8 percent of the vote to McBride's 2,623 or 34.3 percent of the vote in the March 4 primary.

Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister finished in third place with 1,665 votes or 21.7 percent of the vote. Brister has not publicly endorsed either candidate for the office.

"I'm glad the people of Jasper County came out and voted like they did," Newman said following March 4 primary results. "I would have liked to won out (March 4) but there are lots of good people in Jasper County and I'm glad they took the interest to come out and vote and I hope they will come out and vote again for me."

McBride was disappointed at the March primary results but looked to make a stronger showing in the runoff.

"I really believe to this point in this election that it is not about qualifications - I think that is pretty obvious," McBride said at the March 4 primary.

"I really don't know what people are looking at or what they are seeking but we have done a really good job the last three years serving the people. I think we did just about as good of a job as could be done with the budget and personnel that we have.

"I am looking forward to the run-off election April 8 and if re-elected I will be proud to serve four more years," McBride said. "If not, then God has ways of shutting and opening doors."