Taylor County needs Art Casarez as the next sheriff. Art's experience as a law enforcement officer is long and highly diversified. Through his years with the APD and DPS, he coordinated the efforts of many DPS personnel to bring about this area's largest drug arrests. Art has networked extensively with state, federal and even international police. Can Taylor County afford a sheriff such as Les Bruce, whose experience is limited to APD only?

Mr. Bruce states his goal is to build relationships between all levels of law enforcement (does he have any experience with this?). Art Casarez has already done this solidly and effectively. In the 10 years I have known Art, I have found him to be very spiritual (a deacon at his church and involved in prison ministry -- ministering to some of the same guys that he has had to arrest). Art has stated that the office of the sheriff could be used to influence a much greater good for the community. He cares about the families of crime victims and the families of offenders (and their children who are at risk for falling into lives of crime). Art tells me that the sheriff could influence the community to reach out to these families, and this, in the long run, would make for a better, safer community.

That's Art -- experienced and tough on crime, and genuine enough to care. Let's make Art Casarez the next sheriff.

Gary L. Collins

Abilene