Bowie County Precinct 3 Constable
Age: 50
Current employment: tire production area manager at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.
Residence: Oak Grove community
Why are you running for office?
For the past 7 years, I have served the Precinct 3 community as their Constable. I have decided to run again so that I can continue to serve the residents of Precinct 3!
What is your relevant experience?
The relevant experiences I have as the current elected Precinct 3 Constable of 7 years includes, having over 31 years in law enforcement, certified Texas hostage negotiator, crime prevention officer, retired Texarkana, Texas, police officer, a Master Peace Officer License,tcole-certified instructor, numerous hours of active shooter training involving several scenarios and a licensed mental health peace officer.
What three issues would you like to address in Precinct 3?
One of the three issues that I would like to continuously address is the illegal dumping that occurs within the precinct. Along with battling illegal dumping, theft continues to be an issue that I address on a weekly basis. The third issue that demands to be addressed is the impaired driving that exists on our county roads where our family members often travel.
What changes, if any, would you make if elected?
A major change needed in our community is the ability to communicate.
It’s essential to actively seek input from residents to develop a comprehensive understanding of their concerns. Tailoring my priorities to the specific needs of my community will help me be more effective as a Constable in addressing their concerns.
What do you think about the new authority given to Texas law enforcement officers that allows them to arrest and deport immigrants suspected of entering the country illegally?
If a noncitizen of the United States is arrested for a crime within the United States an investigation into their citizenship can be conducted after the arrest has been made. In the state of Texas probable cause has to be present in order to initiate contact with any person regardless of race during the investigation of an offense. Contact can be made to the proper authorities in reference to the questionable immigration status. It is then up to the discretion of the proper authorities whether to prosecute the individual or make arrangements for the individual to be released back into their country of origin.
What are your plans for community outreach?
A Youth Outreach Program would benefit our community outreach significantly. Establishing
programs that engage with our local youth in a positive way, such as mentorship programs and educational initiatives. These positive interactions with law enforcement at an early age will help shape the attitudes towards law enforcement.
What makes you the best person for the job?
Between my experience having over 31 years, paired with my values being aligned with the Precinct 3’s expectations, I know I am the best person for this position. I will continue to better Precinct 3, as I have for the last 7 years
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DILLON GARDNER
Age: 30
Current employment: investigator with Dekalb Police Department
Residence: lifelong resident of Precinct 3, just outside the city limits of De Kalb
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Precinct 3 Constable because Precinct 3 is my home and the area where I grew up and I am fully invested in my community. I want to see this part of our world cleaned up from crime and illegal dumping. I would be present and available to the citizens and provide a quality law enforcement service to those in Precinct 3. As a full-time Law Enforcement Officer, I am in my element, and I would be able to preform all duties as Constable.
What is your relevant experience?
My full extent of my Law Enforcement experience includes Patrol Investigations, Major Crime Investigations, Illegal Dumping, Drug Interdiction, DWI Enforcement, Crash Investigations, and Civil Process. I have led Investigations on several Money Laundering, Drug Trafficking, Aggravated Assaults, Indecency with Minors, and Felony Illegal Dumping cases. I also have been involved in thousands of calls for service with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, with hundreds of critical incident calls around the De Kalb area, all while assisting De Kalb Fire Dept. (ESD #6) with fire and medical calls in Pct. 3. I also have experience in and have held Swift Water and High Angle Vertical Rescue certifications, along with Terrorist Bombing and Active Shooter courses.
What three issues would you like to address in Precinct 3?
Growing up in Precinct 3, I have seen the need for proactivity to help combat illegal drugs and suspicious behavior in the far ends of Pct. 3. Those that live in the communities with these issues want them gone and have made this large issue on the campaign trail. This is not something that is “out of sight, out of mind”. The biggest issue I would like to see resolved in Pct. 3 would be more multiagency active shooter training for the local schools, De Kalb and Hubbard. I have attended several active shooter courses with local school staff over the past several years and see this need firsthand. Multiagency training and drills at these schools would further benefit the cooperability and operability to help save lives during a major active shooter event.
What changes, if any, would you make if elected?
If elected, I would be proactive and take action on cleaning up Pct. 3. As an elected official, I will be engaged with local school districts for athletic events and assist in any way I can.
What do you think authority given to Texas law enforcement officers that allows them to arrest and deport migrants suspected of entering the country illegally?
Although Bowie County is a long way from the Southern Border, Law Enforcement Officers might encounter this issue with illegal migrants passing through this area. This authority would help combat human trafficking and other dangerous issues related to human trafficking.
What are your plans for community outreach?
If elected, I would further connect with those affected by crime and dumping to find solutions for cleaner and safer neighborhoods. Not only to clean up what’s previously happened, but to put a stop to any further littering or dumping along our county roads or state highways and to hold those responsible accountable. I would remind those in Pct. 3 and on the West End that they are not forgotten, and their concerns would be heard. I look forward to building additional relationships with the citizens and to getting these issues solved.
What makes you the best person for the job?
I am very active, involved and dedicated to not only those within De Kalb, but to those in the surrounding area. I put a lot of effort into any matter at hand to find a solution or to bring victims justice. I am blessed to be able to do what I can for the community and to be there for my neighbors in their time of chaos or crisis. I will fully apply my experience, knowledge, and skills to the elected office of Constable Pct. 3.