Art Casarez

This year's deadline for voter registration will be Oct. 6. I invite all Taylor County voters to get registered, and to scrutinize both candidates for the office of Taylor County sheriff. Now is the time to vote for the best qualified candidate, someone with a history of demonstrated diverse law enforcement experience without regard of party affiliation. In talking with voters all over our county, I am finding that voters from each of the political parties agree that party affiliation should not matter in executing the responsibilities of sheriff. There is no benefit to the general public in choosing our sheriff based on party affiliation. The negative effects of crime do not distinguish between Republican, Democrat, Independent or Libertarian.

I appreciate the opportunity to let Taylor County residents know who I am and what I stand for. I have been a Taylor County resident since 1971. I am a family man, married to my wife, Elena, for 37 years. My wife and I are proud parents of a daughter, a son and have one grandson. I have always had a great respect for higher education.

After earning my bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at Hardin-Simmons University, I received my master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University at New Orleans. My Christian faith has guided me throughout my life, and I am an ordained deacon at Sacred Heart Church. I have been involved in prison ministry at Robertson Unit for over five years. I appreciate the value of community involvement and have served on the board of trustees at the Betty Hardwick Center for the last four years. Through the years, I have been involved in many other projects that serve for the betterment of the community.

My experience in law enforcement has covered more than 33 years of service throughout the state of Texas. I have had the opportunity to work as a city police officer for the Abilene Police Department, as a state trooper in Jones County, a DPS criminal investigator in Abilene and other counties in the state and as a deputized federal officer. My service as a Taylor County employee includes having worked as a corrections officer and currently as a probation officer. The many challenges I have faced in criminal investigation assignments have allowed me to gain extensive experience and leadership skills in areas that will guarantee a more diverse way to approach drug problems. These include wiretaps, money laundering, meth labs and conspiracy investigations throughout the state of Texas. My hands-on experience in overseeing manpower from multiple agencies for extended periods of time taught me various management styles. In serving with a diverse group of law enforcement, I learned numerous ways to ensure the safety of both the citizen and the officer.

I am asking the voters of Taylor County to consider voting for the candidate with the best qualifications, experience and leadership skills. These are qualities that will make a difference in the safety and progress of our county. Most of all, please consider the needs of the employees of the Taylor County Sheriff's Department. Their safety and interests will not be addressed or resolved simply because the sheriff is affiliated to one political party or another. Let the Taylor County sheriff's employees know that they are appreciated, and the best qualified candidate will be elected. I am that candidate -- vote Art Casarez. Please help take politics out of an office that really serves no purpose being politicized.

It is time for real change -- demanding qualifications, diverse, hands-on leadership and respect for laws and people in all circumstances.

Art Casarez is a candidate in the upcoming Taylor County sheriff election.