Candidates for Tarrant County Constable for Precinct 7 in Republican primary March 5
Irving Romero
Email: RomeroforConstable@gmail.com
Age (as of March 5, 2024): 40
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554326654151
Best way for voters to reach you. Romeroforconstable@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554326654151
Occupation: Deputy Constable
Education: High School
Have you run for elected office before? No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
I’m a faithful member of Harvest Point Church located in Mansfield. My wife Jamie, and I are the Leaders of the Children’s Ministry, co-leaders of the Benevolence Ministry, and I’m the director of the Church Safety Team.I have been active in the community for many years, partnering with Mission Arlington, Union Gospel Mission (Ft Worth), and Prison Fellowship Angel Tree on a continuous basis. I’m active in the school’s PTA and volunteer year-round with different events. I also coach my son’s local baseball team with the Mansfield Youth Baseball Association.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding?
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Yes, bankruptcy. Discharged in 2019. We had a son that was born in 2017 with medical problems. He was in the NICU and had major reconstructive surgery at 1 day old. Medical expenses were almost $1 million total.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Alejo family, my parents, my wife.
Why are you seeking this office?
I am qualified, knowledgeable and experienced. With over 16 years experience in Law Enforcement and the majority of my career as a “street cop” I have always been on the front line; interacting with the public and establishing relationships built on trust and public service. I want to educate the community on the roles and responsibilities of a Constable, build those positive relationships, all while providing the best service possible to our community. I believe in succession planning for my deputies.
What are the biggest challenges facing a Tarrant County Constable for Precinct 7?
Accountability! Maintaining trust is a constant challenge, both within the public and within the agency. Transparency, being honest, and having high ethical expectations is valuable in gaining that trust. Holding those accountable that violate that trust is important as well. Making sure my deputies are dedicated in achieving the expectations set by the community and this department.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Each Constable office is it’s own agency. However, I’m an advocate for Mental Health training, Active Shooter training through ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training), and Civil Process proficiency would be my top priorities.
How will you measure your success as a Tarrant County Constable for Precinct 7?
While some individuals may throw numbers out there to impress the public, I will measure my success based on providing a positive impact within the community and the citizens of Tarrant County Precinct 7. Citizens are honest, and they will tell you who are true community servants. I also want to prepare each of my deputies for the next step in their career. Deputies should be training more than the minimum required. A well trained and prepared deputy makes the department stronger which is a benefit to the community.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have numerous TCOLE / Law Enforcement related certifications and over 2700 hours of continued education. Some of my goals are to be tough on crime, while serving my community with Integrity, fairness, and justice. I want to establish, and continue positive working relationships with the courts, and Law Enforcement agencies within the precinct. I’m a proud first generation Panamanian American. My parents lived the American dream, immigrating from Panama and becoming United States citizens. Spanish is my first language, which is valuable in connecting and establishing relationships with the vastly growing demographic within Precinct 7.I’ve spoken about my professional qualifications and knowledge, but I have a quality you can’t teach, a servant’s heart. My family has planted its roots in Precinct 7, and I want to see my community flourish. I truly want to make a difference and be a leader the entire community can be proud of.
John Kiefer
Email: johnkiefer63@att.net
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 60
Campaign website: johnkieferforconstable.net
Best way for voters to reach you: Through my website or at johnkiefer63@johnkieferforconatble.net
Occupation: Police Officer
Education: High School Graduate and Master Peace Officer with over 2400 hours of training
Have you run for elected office before? No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
I raised money for the Salvation Army, participated in Toys for Tots, and delivered gifts to children with the Angel Tree Christmas.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding?
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding?
No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
As of now I have financed my own campaign.
Why are you seeking this office?
Tarrant County Constable Precinct 7
What are the biggest challenges facing a Tarrant County Constable for Precinct 7?
The main responsibility of the Tarrant County Precinct 7 Constable is to handle civil process papers and support other agencies with calls for service. Nevertheless, our State is being invaded with illegal immigrants, human trafficking, and the spread of fentanyl. Facing these issues along with a failing economy it is uncertain of the impact or the extent this will have on our community. In the event we find ourselves in a crisis we will face the challenge of redefining our role in assisting the local agencies with keeping our citizens safe.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
If I were elected, my top 3 policy priorities would be focused on bringing efficient and quality service to the people in our community. Secondly, I would work towards building a strong relationship with the local law enforcement agencies within the precinct to provide our assistance when needed. Finally, I would prioritize overseeing the office needs and ensuring that we have the necessary training to meet those needs.
How will you measure your success as a Tarrant County Constable for Precinct 7?
I would measure my success by the success of those around me. I would help those around me reach their goals and invest in their careers. By doing so, this will contribute to the overall improvement of our department and our ability to provide quality service to the community.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have over 32 years of Law Enforcement Experience. I have approximately ten years of actual experience in management and supervision. I retired as a Chief Deputy from the Tarrant County Precinct 7 Constables Office, where I am running for election. As the Chief, I focused on securing funding for crucial equipment through the yearly budget, improving monthly reporting, managing internal affairs issues, and conducting quarterly audits of the property and evidence room. I also worked closely with our deputies to ensure that the people of Precinct 7 received the service they deserved. I know the Constables office and the community very well. I have the overall knowledge of how it works, on day one I will work diligently on returning the quality of service the people deserve.
