Meet the Democrats running for Tarrant County Constable, Precinct 5
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Ruben Garcia
Occupation: Tarrant Country Constable Precinct 5
Age: 42
Campaign website: Face book: Ruben Garcia Tarrant County Constable Precinct 5.
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: I have only held the office of Constable of Precinct 5 is my current position since 2012.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes, at 17 I was charged with Burglary of Vehicle and it was dismissed.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: (Did not answer)
Why are you seeking this office?
I was hired by the Tarrant Country Sheriff’s Department in 1998 where I worked untill 2010 where I reserved for Precinct 5 Constables Office before being elected as Constable in 2012. I’m seeking reelection for my position as I still have much to offer my community with the significant changes I have made since 2012.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Continue providing my community the Reserve Unit so as to save money for the programs we work for. Como 4th of July Parade, Cesar Chavez March Far Greater Northside June Tenth Parade, Security for Diamond Hill Pewee FootBall League.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have created programs that have helped my community Halloween Sex offender watch, Reserve Deputy Unit to help with programs, festivals & parades, Toy Drive/food drive, working with Community service to clean parks & neighborhoods as well as schools.
Pedro Munoz
Occupation: Employed currently as a Deputy Constable. Pete has served 20 years as a Texas Peace Officer. In those 20 years, he has held various positions including Patrol Officer, SWAT Operator, Criminal Interdiction, School Resource Officer, Deputy Constable, and Truancy Officer. Pete currently holds a Texas Master Peace Officer license, the highest-level license for a police officer in the State of Texas.
Age: 41 years of age.
Website: www.PeteMunoz.net
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: First time candidate for public office.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Never.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: None.
Why are you seeking this office? A Fort Worth native, Pedro “Pete” Muñoz knows about hard work and the importance of family. Pete was born in Fort Worth and raised in the North Side community. He grew up as one of 5 children to hard-working parents. They raised Pete and his siblings to give back to the community. Pete graduated from North Side HS in 1996. He married his high school sweetheart, Edna (Maldonado) Muñoz, and they have been married for over 22 years. Pete and Edna have raised 3 children in Fort Worth and are deeply rooted in the community. Pete cares about our community.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION: Pete will ensure the efficient day-to-day management of the Precinct 5 Constable’s office in the timely service of civil process and writs. However, much more is needed.
COMMUNITY POLICING: Pete will return this office to focus on community policing. We must utilize Precinct 5 law enforcement resources to serve the community, neighborhood associations, and crime watch groups. Neighborhood patrols reduce crime.
STOPPING HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Pete has a plan to partner with local agencies and the public to tackle the scourge of human trafficking. Sexual trafficking occurs constantly and agencies must communicate and share intelligence to address this crime.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Pete is focusing his campaign on discussing his own credentials, record of community service, and plans to serve the community. He is running a positive campaign. Pedro “Pete” Muñoz cares about our neighborhoods and he will ensure that the Precinct 5 Constable Office returns to the recent example set by the service of Constable Sergio De Leon. In addition to the compliment of deputies, Precinct 5 can carry the commissions of numerous reserve deputies. These reserve officers should be utilized to provide a law enforcement presence in neighborhoods to keep communities safe. Human trafficking must be proactively uncovered and stopped.
Daniel Flores
Occupation: Retired Deputy Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department
Age: 63
Website: NA – Facebook: Daniel Flores
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: First time running for office
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Clear Record
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Clear Record
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking candidacy to provide integrity, efficiency, and safety to the community of Precinct 5. My Law Enforcement experience has impacted me to become an effective Servant Leader. Leading and serving others is a passion of mine. I will make the necessary changes to make the department as efficient as possible. I’m her to serve with integrity and respect.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
I will go to work immediately to ensure the integrity, efficiency, and safety of our community. One of my top priorities is to evaluate the effectiveness of the current policies and procedures to ensure that items are completed with fidelity. Building relationships with all stakeholders is a key priority to build on team effectiveness within our precinct. I will collaborate with the neighbor patrol officers to reduce crime and work with school leaders to be involved with our youth. I will create a program within our department to attend all neighborhood association meeting. I am here to serve our community.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have 32+ years in Law Enforcement with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department. My experience will allow me to continue to collaborate, protect, and serve our citizens. I’ve been married for 41 years and have lived in Precinct 5 since birth. I’m active in our community and serve as a volunteer baseball coach and mentor. I’m honored to know that parents have trusted me with their most precious gifts, their children for 50 years. I volunteer for several charitable organizations in our community. I believe this shows my integrity, dedication, morals, and character to serving our community.
John Wright
Did not respond.
This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 9:49 AM.
