Red River County Politics

This Page Last Updated on 03/11/2008 11:28:13 PM + 1Hour for Central Time

Question's to the Candidates

All Candidates may participate in this forum. In fact they are invited to do so. I would hope all of the Candidates would be happy to participate to inform the voting public! You may participate by sending an e-mail with a telephone number where you may be contacted. After your identity is verified a private code number will be assigned to you. When you send e-mails with answers to the questions you must affix the private code number to the e-mail along with your name. This will prove that you have approved the answer, and it will be posted.

I have had a request from one of the candidates that they be given a greater time frame in which to answer the questions. We have determined that 72 hours is sufficient time to answer the questions, but that may be lengthened at my discretion. This will give them time from their busy schedules to respond. There will also be an opportunity for rebuttal from their opponents once the candidate's answers are posted. Rebuttal period for the Candidate will be 24 hours from the time the answers are posted. If a candidate has not responded with an answer to the question no rebuttal from that Candidate will be allowed. Answer and Rebuttal times will be determined by the "Sent" time hack on the e-mail from the candidate. No other time will be used. Time of the question will be posted along with the question. Please respond with your answers using the e-mail sent to you and please include the question you are answering so that I can match up the answers to the questions on the web page.

This is a small County, and everyone knows everyone else. It is the responsibility of the candidate to sign up for the forum, or his/her relatives or family to notify the candidate. This is a public posting just like the newspaper, except we don't change our times or places, as we are always here at rrpolitics.org. It is not an excuse as far as the public or this site is concerned to say "I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS." GET OVER IT, CAUSE WE ALL KNOW BETTER!

Whether you as a candidate are in approval of this site, or not, it is a way to inform the voting public of your views as a Political Candidate, and is well within the expectations of the voting public for you to make the effort to do so if you want their votes.

I will not be editing, correcting, (except for spelling) nor commenting on questions from the public, or the candidates answers on this page. My only participation will be to post the questions and answers! I wish to say in advance "Thank You" to those Candidates who are willing to participate in the free flow of communication to the public.

Please try to understand the learning process that I am going through on this. I have, after all never done something that is such a serious and guarded forum!

Citizens wishing to ask questions may send them through the Anonymous Posting Section, but we ask that you make your questions as short and to the point as possible. Please put question to the candidate /s on the question, the name of the Candidate if it is a specific Candidate, and be civil in the format that you ask them. If it sounds Rude, or Obnoxious i will post it in the Annomyous opinion section, or just delete it! Respect is going to be shown to those candidates that are willing enough to participate in this forum to inform the voters!

NOTICE: From this point forward, persons asking questions to the candidates will only be allowed to ask (1) ONE Question at a time. This is fair for the Candidates and for all the Readers who are wishing to ask questions and hear from the candidate!!

Duplicate Questions will not be answered by the Candidates, but a reference to the answer will be shown by the webmaster!

Lengthy rambling statements from the Public will not be posted at all by the Webmaster!

Red River County Sheriff

The Candidates Are:

Robert Bridges (D)

Royce Abbott (D)

Mark Perkins (D)

I have had no response from the other Candidates for

Red River County Sheriff, except Royce Abbott.

Question (1) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/15/2008 6:00 P.M.

I have some questions for the candidates for sheriff. 1.)"What problems do you see within the Reed Administration?" 2.) "How do you plan on re-establishing the general public's trust in law enforcement"? 3.) "If a member of your staff commits a crime while in your employ, how will you handle this"? 4.)"What is your view on radar in patrol cars?" 5.)"What do you plan to do about all the unsolved crimes in Red River County?" (i.e. burglaries, thefts, murders?)

Response from Royce Abbott on 1/15/2008

1.)"What problems do you see within the Reed Administration?"

Lack of training. lack of supervision. Lack of leadership. Lack of willingness to prosecute criminal activity within the department.

2.) "How do you plan on re-establishing the general public's trust in law enforcement"?

By addressing the needs of the public in a timely manor, by answering their request for assistance and by investigating their complaints of wrong doing regardless of whom the suspect might be. And, by Total transparency in assets received from drug related arrest and asset recoveries. (money) and drugs especially.

3.) "If a member of your staff commits a crime while in your employ, how will you handle this"?

In the same manner as I would handle a crime committed by any other citizen of this county. Except it would be investigated by an outside authority and prosecuted to the extent of the law.

4.)"What is your view on radar in patrol cars?"

Radar is a means of traffic speed control, it would only be used in areas of complaints of excessive speed, school zones and hazardous conditions.

5.)"What do you plan to do about all the unsolved crimes in Red River County?" (i.e. burglaries, thefts, murders?)

All burglaries, and thefts within the jurisdiction of limitations will be vigorously investigated. Murders however are of a much higher priority and I will not reveal my intentions nor my plans in regards to those.

Thank You

Royce Abbott

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Question (2) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 1:56 A.M.

Questions for sheriff candidates. 1.)Will you accept cars or other equipment from a single citizen. 2.)Will you allow your personal to use county property for personal use. 3.)Will you have a open door policy for citizens to talk to you. 4.)Will you require employees to live within county. 5.)Will you hire from within county if qualified first. 6.)What can you say for me to trust you as a candidate to be fair and honest and not just another yes person for the click.

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 2 (1-4). Posted 1/18/2008 2:43 P.M.

1.)Will you accept cars or other equipment from a single citizen.

Only if donated through the commissioners court and the donors identity kept anonymous.

2.)Will you allow your personal to use county property for personal use.

Absolutely not. That would be misuse of county equipment.

3.)Will you have a open door policy for citizens to talk to you.

Yes. The very first thing that I will do if elected sheriff is get the sheriff out of jail. Get him out from behind locked doors and make him available to the public and employees of the department. I believe in an open door policy that gives the public and the employees an opportunity to voice their needs, their complaints and their suggestions for improvement.

4.)Will you require employees to live within county.

No. They would however! Be required to furnish their own transportation too and from work.

5.)Will you hire from within county if qualified first.

Only if they were the most qualified applicant.

6.)What can you say for me to trust you as a candidate to be fair and honest and not just another yes person for the click.

Many years ago I filed criminal charges on two of my own sons. It is my belief that the rule of law was intended to be enforced honestly, fairly, and equally, among all people regardless of relation, financial, social, or political status.

Thank You

Royce Abbott

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Question (3) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 1:56 A.M.

Question for the Sheriff Candidates: It has been difficult on numerous occasions to get a deputy to a call because the deputy is out on a traffic stop. If you tell the deputy he has a call holding while he is out on the traffic stop he gets mad. Sometimes these are priority calls. How will you address this issue?

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 6. Posted 1/19/2008 6:59 P.M.

By written policy that tells the deputy to take priority calls even if they are on traffic. Calls for assistance of any kind take priority over traffic. Disciplinary action will be taken for any policy that is not followed per the policy.

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Question (4) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 1:56 A.M.

Questions for those running for Sheriff: The jailers and jail administrator are suppose to run the jail but you have deputies that come in there and tell the jailers what to do and how to do it. Shouldn't the deputies stick to enforcing the law and leave the running of the jail to those who were hired and trained to do it?

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 6. Posted 1/19/2008 7:04 P.M.

Absolutely. Deputies have no responsibility to come to the jail and dictate policy, procedure or activity to the dispatchers or the jailers, and it will not be tolerated if I am elected Sheriff. The jail is the responsibility of the Jail Administrator, not the Deputy's.

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Question (5) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 1:56 A.M.

a question for the candidates for Sheriff, 1.) Please tell us about your qualifications for the position of Sheriff. 2.) Since one of the biggest problems with the "Reed Administration" is the loss of hardworking and honest deputies, have you considered incentives that would reverse the high turn over rate? 3.) You will inherit at least a 250,000.00 deficit from the "Reed Administration", do you have any expertise in grant writing as a possible solution to alleviate that deficit? 4.) Tell us why you are running for Sheriff 5.) If elected what promises will you make to us, the voters?

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 6. Posted 1/19/2008 7:27 P.M.

1.) Please tell us about your qualifications for the position of Sheriff.

30 years experience as a peace officer w/ 16 years in administration / management.

2.) Since one of the biggest problems with the "Reed Administration" is the loss of hardworking and honest deputies, have you considered incentives that would reverse the high turn over rate? My top priority would be bringing about salary increases for jail employees including the deputies. This does however rely on the commissioners court, but I have had experience in dealing with the Commissioners Court in Collin County and the City Council as Chief of Police in Wylie Texas, on this very subject.

3.) You will inherit at least a 250,000.00 deficit from the "Reed Administration", do you have any expertise in grant writing as a possible solution to alleviate that deficit?

Yes, but I don't believe that acquiring grants is the proper solution to that deficit. It is up to the Commissioner's Court to Correct it, because it was his, and not mine. What you do to correct it is to find out what caused the deficit and take steps to see that it does not happen again. I will write a budget, and live and spend within that budget.

4.) Tell us why you are running for Sheriff

Because of the many many complaints that I have heard from citizens, of unanswered calls, failure to make reports on offenses such as burglary, theft, etc., and the many complaints of citizen abuse by sheriff department employees.

5.) If elected what promises will you make to us, the voters?

I promise you that none of the things just mentioned in question 4 will ever occur if I am elected sheriff. It is my belief that the rule of law was intended to be enforced honestly, fairly, and equally, among all people, regardless of relation, financial, social, or political status. This is my promise to the voters of Red River County.

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Question (6) from the Public:

For those candidates running for Sheriff please answer a question for me, when a person is arrested and brought to your jail what is the time frame in which they will be allowed a "PHONE CALL," if they are allowed one at all. Because I am sure you are all aware in Red River County Jail most of the time as many have experienced you are denied your phone call. And to put it as one jailer put it to me, and I quote "No you can't make a phone call." (and as she shut the holding cell window stated) That stated "I love my job, I love being a Bitch."

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 6. Posted 1/19/2008 6:55 P.M.

Immediately upon request. There is absolute no reason to delay the person's access to a telephone. Prisoners will also be released immediately upon making bond, they will not be held 4 or 5 hours after making bond.

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Question (7) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/20/2008 4:00 P.M.

To all Sheriff Candidates: Once you are elected and in office will all employees be required to dress professional?

This is the Response from Royce Abbott to Question 7. Posted 1/20/2008 4:08 P.M.

YES!! Everyone will be required to wear a uniform provided by the Sheriff's Department. Under certain circumstances investigators will be excluded.

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Question (8) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/22/2008 6:03 P.M.

This question is directly to Mr. Robert Bridges:

Why did you leave the Drug task Force; and was it like I heard that you were "Given a Choice if you did not Leave", and if you were "Given a Choice about leaving", why were you given that choice?

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Question (9) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/26/2008 4:05 P.M.

To Mark Perkins Candidate for Sheriff.What are the requirements on weight of a Law Enforcement Officer?

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Question (10) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/26/2008 4:05 P.M.

To Mark Perkins Do you run or workout at gym? Being in good shape for the job is important too! Handling a violent prisoner requires moving fast on your feet. Working out regularly. Staying away from those doughnut shops, and fatty foods will make you look more like a Law Enforcement Officer.

Question (11) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/30/2008 10:00 A.M.

I have a question for Royce Abbott how do you feel about peace officers accepting gratuities?

Accepting gratuities is a violation of the law, and they should be prosecuted for it!

If I am elected Sheriff, I don't believe in gratuities, and people who work for me will not be allowed to accept them!

6th District Court Judge

The Candidates Are:

David Hamilton (D)

David Turner (D)

Jess Nickerson (D)

E. Clifford (R)

Question (1) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/15/2008 6:00 P.M.

Questions for the candidates for District Judge 1.)"What problems do you see within the present system"? 2.)"What changes if any, do you plan to make to improve the office?" 3.)"How will you insure equal distribution of justice for all"? 4.)"If you suspect the county attorney is not doing his job or involved in a miscarriage of justice, what would you do"? 5.) "If you are presented with information that one of the county governmental offices is involved in criminal activity...what would you do"?

This is the Response to Question 1 (1) from David Hamilton. Posted 1/17/2008 12:11A.M.

1.)"What problems do you see within the present system"?

These are serious Questions which require reflection and thought. A Judge should deliberate on such important questions, giving thought to available options and solutions; that is why the process is called deliberations. However the process itself is one of the perceived problems with Courts…

In many respects, Courts are reflective of the social and cultural problems of society. The fast lane, instant gratification (instant oatmeal), fast food, and the internet all point to cultural expectations quick solutions and easy access to information. This cultural expectation has resulted in less patience and more frustration for the judicial process, which is frequently slow. In short, there is a cultural frustration with process and a social need just to “get to the point” The friction here is that Courts are all about process…due process, and sometimes the search for the truth requires time and diligence. However, combining our high-speed lives and expectations with our mistrust of government at almost every level can produce problems, real or imagined. When citizens begin to look for the source of the problems, they naturally turn toward their decision makers; those persons that they elected to solve problems. Judges and Courts in Texas are a part of that system.

**One problem frequently heard is that "favorable" decisions from a Court are directly correlated to who you know or who hire as your attorney. The inference is that the Judge is influenced by political or social ties. Judicial decisions should be influenced ONLY BY FACTS IN THE CASE and LAW APPLICABLE TO THE CASE. Judges should set appropriate limits on contacts and relationships with attorneys who practice in their Court, to avoid even an appearance of inappropriate influence.

Limited time and resources are also a Court problem. Court hours and jury trial weeks are limited by time and the availability of the attorneys, clerk, bailiff, and court reporter.

In some instances, a place to hold court is still a matter for consideration. These resources must be jealously guarded and scheduled to make the most effective use of Court time, staff and resources. Consider also that citizen time as parties, witnesses, and jurors is involved, and a conclusion is reached that the Judge must manage the Court time and resources wisely.

I am concerned that Courts, as the icon for the legal profession, have lost the public's respect as an arena of honesty and integrity. I take great pride in my years as a law enforcement officer and my career as an attorney. I feel that lawyers should be among the helping professions. The increase in criticism of the legal profession saddens me but at the same time increases my resolve that the 6^th District Court must serve as a role model in the community for integrity, compassion, and mutual respect for people. Together, we can Put People First.

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Question (2) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 11:58 A.M.

Questions for candidates for 6th District Court Judge 1)Will you see that everyone that cant afford counsel has proper counsel given to them. 2)Will you contact proper people if a wrong doing has been committed by a county official. (3)Will you execute the law from what has been proven not because you like one lawyer over the other. Question 3 was answered by Mr. Hamilton in Question (1's) answer previously (See ** above). 4)What can you say to get me to vote for you.

This the Response to Question 2 (1) from David Hamilton. Posted 1/18/2008 2:15 P.M.

1)Will you see that everyone that cant afford counsel has proper counsel given to them.

The issue of Court Appointed Counsel is handled under Article 26.04 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. If the County has a public defender, access will probably be determined by the same method. The Defendant declares he/ she is not able to afford an attorney. A financial form is provided by the Court and completed by the defendant. The Court can ask about the information and if satisfied, appoint / provide an attorney. I would follow such a procedure.

This is the Response to Question 2 (2) from David Hamilton. Posted 1/18/2008 2:18 P.M.

2)Will you contact proper people if a wrong doing has been committed by a county official.

"Wrong doing" is a term without a specific legal meaning. "Proper person" is likewise a vague term. The District Judge should be a community leader in resolving disputes. You want a Judge not a traffic cop. There are areas where a judge, just as any citizen, has an obligation to report criminal behavior which amount to felonies, or theft or civil rights violations.

This is the Response to Question 2 (4) from David Hamilton Posted 1/18/2008 2:25 P.M.

4)What can you say to get me to vote for you.

Caution to the voter who listens to the candidate who "will say anything" to get your vote. Every candidate wants to be elected, but I want to be effective once elected. No one is "running me for office" so I owe no favors to anyone. I have no law partners or lawyers as social friends, so there are no buddies waiting around for favors. I haven't had to recently join a service club or look back 15 or 20 years to find civic or community involvement as a part of my resume. Look, listen, get accurate information. I'm the only candidate that has tried a capital murder case. I'm the only candidate that has been a felony prosecutor. I'm the only candidate with a law enforcement background.

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Question (3) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 2:00 P.M.

In Red River County, old indictments are held in the files forever, it seems to keep those people indicted "IN LINE" with what the County Attorney and Justice System wish to accomplish. Will you as a judge take control of the Court, dispose of these indictments and cases hanging over the heads of and affecting the lives of these persons. Will you in effect "Clean up the System" so the County Attorney no longer has control over the Court and the lives of his victims?

This is the Response to Question 3 from David Hamilton. Posted 1/18/2008 2:30 P.M.

OLD INDICTMENTS...This is not a problem unique to RRC. There can be many reasons for a case not moving forward...maybe the state is not ready, or maybe the defense is not ready. Sometimes key evidence is still in the lab. Witnesses are not always available. If a Defendant wants a trial, usually a Motion for Speedy Trial can move the case to the front of the line. Sometimes even that doesn't work. The Court should be aware of the age of cases and encourage the trial of the older cases.

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Question (4) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/17/2008 2:30 P.M.

Does a District Judge have the power to reopen cases where "JUST-US" was rendered instead of "Justice", or are his hands tied completely by the Judicial System, and if they are what should a person in that situation do?

This is the Response to Question 4 from David Hamilton. Posted 1/18/2008 2:35 P.M.

RE-OPEN CASES...This feels like an investigative function, and I have never seen a Court reopen a case on its on. Who would prosecute it? Wouldn't the Judge have to step aside if the judge took an active role in the case? Cases are usually reopened by defendant through the writ process, after there has been an error that was not directly appealed; or grand juries will sometimes reopen an investigation with or without the help of the prosecuting attorney.

Question (5) from the Public: TIME POSTED 1/29/2008 10:44 A.M.

Perhaps you should ask your candidate Dr. Hamilton where he purchased his PhD, and why he is painting over the PhD on the sign in front of his business.

This is the Response to Question 5 from David Hamilton. Posted 1/29/2008 10:44 A.M.

I do have a PhD which was earned over two years in a program which was internet based. The degree plan included a research dissertation on the prevalence of dissociative disorders in sex offenders. That research produced a research based assessment instrument to assist screening for dissociation based on recognized criteria. The instrument was later used in a separate study conducted in the Washington State Penitentiary on the same topic. My dissertation topic was presented at two or three conferences at various points in the country.

I included the PhD in my marketing, and there was no difference in client flow or intake.

It has added nothing but a little confusion, and occasional criticism, so I took the diploma down and determined to change the marketing. So as marketing decisions come around, changes are made.

This credential appears on no campaign literature, and has not been used to “advance” my position.

Thanks to the Citizen for asking this question which was obviously important to him/ her, and thanks to the forum for providing a venue for the discussion.

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I have had not response from the other Candidates for District Judge!

County Treasurer

The Candidates Are:

Kristy Gray (D) Incumbent (by appointment)

Paula Pryor Swint (D)

QUESTION (1) FROM THE PUBLIC: TIME POSTED: 1/17/2008 01:46

Questions to the candidates for County Treasure 1) If a outstanding amount of pay out to someone show up are you going just pay it or you going take a further look at it first.2) If a county employ is receiving money for something other that what they usually receive you going take a further look at it before payment. 3) What can you say to get my vote. Question 3 has been answered in Question (2) 4 below. (See ** below)

This is the Response to Question 4 from Kristy Gray. Posted 1/19/2008 12:36 A.M.

1) If a outstanding amount of pay out to someone show up are you going just pay it or you going take a further look at it first.

As County Treasurer, my office closely monitors all disbursements of county funds which are approved by Commissioner's Court.

2) If a county employ is receiving money for something other that what they usually receive you going take a further look at it before payment.

All county employee timesheets are reviewed by my office and paid as approved by their department heads and Commissioner's Court.

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QUESTION (2) FROM THE PUBLIC: TIME POSTED: 1/17/2008 01:46

for the candidates for county treasurer 1.) Tell us what a county treasurer does. 2.) Tell us what your qualifications are. 3.) How would you handle it if someone asked you to do something or ignore something that was questionable? 4)What would you like to say to the voters of Red River County?

This is the Response to Question 2 from Kristy Gray. Posted 1/19/2008 12:36 A.M.

1.) Tell us what a county treasurer does.

The duties of the County Treasurer are to receive all monies belonging to the County from whatever source, keep and account for all monies in a designated depository; and pay and apply or disburse all monies in such a manner as Commissioner's Court may direct, by law.

2.) Tell us what your qualifications are.

I have 17 years experience in office management with duties including but not limited to: employee supervision, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, workman's compensation, and administration of employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement.

3.) How would you handle it if someone asked you to do something or ignore something that was questionable?

If something questionable is submitted to my office I would handle it honestly and forthright by reporting it to the appropriate county officials.

**4)What would you like to say to the voters of Red River County?

I would like to say to the voters of Red River County... My name is Kristy Gray and I am from Avery, Tx. I have been married to my husband Kevin Gray for almost 18 years and we have two wonderful boys, ages 15 and 11. I am dedicated to the Treasurer's Office, the employees, and the citizens of Red River County. I believe in courtesy, professionalism, and getting along with others. I find great satisfaction and enjoyment in taking care of county employees, and dealing with the public. I would invite anyone to visit the Treasurer's Office, my door is always open to the public. Respectfully, I ask for your vote on March 4th to elect Me as your Red River County Treasurer.

Sincerely, Kristy Gray

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I have talked with Paula Swint, and she agreed for me to e-mail her the questions.