I believe that there are three pillars to good law enforcement. This is something we desperately need here in Edwards County. First and foremost, law enforcement must be fair. Fair means that everyone is seen as equal. Fair is even administration of the law to all residents of Edwards County, not just some. Fair means cases are not brought against someone because of who they are, what party they s
upport, race, religion or any other measure that distinguishes someone from the next. All are treated equal and fairly. Next is responsive. Responsive means when you call, we come. Responsive also means you are listened to. Your opinion matters and you have a voice that needs to be heard, especially by your law enforcement agency. We need to know what is important to you and to the community. After all, the Sheriff’s department is your department. The sheriff is the conservator of the peace. Peace is the important word here. The sheriff’s department must be involved in a concerted effort to build trust in the community. Responsive also means the department is nimble enough to adapt to the ever-changing needs and priorities of the community. Our county changes entirely from hunting season to off-season. The department must be able to adapt to these seasons and influx of persons while still protecting the community. Finally is professional. Professionalism is a key part of good law enforcement. It starts with respect. It starts with treating all members of the community with dignity and compassion. As law enforcement officers, we often meet people on their worst day. A tragedy has happened and we are called to help. A terrible mistake has happened and we are there to sort it out. Or, someone has just made a real bad decision and we will be called to deal with it. In all of those cases, professionalism is of paramount importance. Professionalism means training, and when needed, correcting unprofessional behavior. Professionalism means the officers have pride in their work, their community and the way they present themselves. The way an officer speaks, the language used, the actions taken – or – not taken all go back to professionalism. Honesty is professional and as Sheriff, I will not tolerate dishonesty in the department of any type. Part of the Sheriff’s department duty, as mentioned above, is to listen to the community. As Sherrif, I will set up a civilian panel to help guide and make suggestions, bring concerns and to assure complaints are handled quickly, openly and properly. This is important to building trust between the department and the community. Promises I will keep as Sherrif. I serve one master. I do not have other requirements or obligations other than to Edwards County and its residents. The department will be approachable. If you need to get in touch with us, we will answer and as Sheriff, if you feel you need to talk to me directly I will be available, 24/7. I pledge to perform my duties and assure all the men and women of the department perform theirs to the best possible standard. I pledge to never use the department as a weapon or for political means. It is not the sheriff’s job to punish. The sheriff is not the judge, jury and executioner. The sheriff’s job is to administer the law fairly, equally and in accordance with the constitutional protections each and every one of us enjoy. I pledge to be very budget minded. We all have to live within our means and that goes for the sheriff’s department too. Waste will be eliminated in every way possible. Efficiency is the key here. I pledge to mend fences and foster a good and cooperative relationship with those other agencies such as the District Attorney, Texas Rangers, Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Constable, Game Warden and others. I will seek help from state agencies for oversite and guidance when needed. Nothing will be hidden. Nothing will be covered up. Although the Sheriff is the top law enforcement agent in the county, they are not in charge of everything and not above oversite. I pledge to work with the County Commissioner’s Court, the JP and the County Judge. Law enforcement cannot function without the help and cooperation of other agencies. I will build where possible and mend those bridges where needed. Above all, I pledge to make sure the department is yours. It belongs to the citizens of the county. It is responsible for the protection of the county and I will make sure that is never forgotten. I will not be soliciting nor will I accept any donation to the campaign. I do not believe the hard working residents of Edwards County should go into their pocket and hand over their hard-earned cash to my effort. I owe no political favors and none are owed to me. I will keep it that way. I am asking for your help. Together we can give Edwards County the type of Sheriff’s Department to be proud of. One that is, as I started with, Fair, Responsive and Professional. I care not one bit what party you are in. It matters not. This is a local election and I am asking for your vote for Sheriff of Edwards County. Thank you
Jon Harris
