The Herald provided the same questions to this year’s local political candidates. Here are their unedited answers:
MELISSA DUNN (D)
Background information: I am a graduate of Houston High School and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy. I have completed over 300 hours of intensive, specialized Law Enforcement training in Washington, DC and in Texas. These hours are above and beyond the regular continuing education hours required for licensure. I have also attended courses at Central Texas College on the campus at Fort Leonard Wood.
Why do you want to be the sheriff of Texas County?
I have devoted my life to law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. I would welcome the opportunity to continue the good work that has come from this office and maintain the standard of law enforcement proficiency that Texas County citizens deserve and are accustomed to receiving.
Why would you be a good sheriff?
I believe I am the most qualified candidate with twenty-six years of proven, verifiable experience in regards to conducting major investigations as well as the day-today operations. During Sheriff Watson’s absence due to his illness, I gained invaluable experience while performing the budgetary functions of the department. The sheriff must possess the ability to operate within the statutes pertaining to the usage of budgetary funds. I am currently fulfilling this responsibility and am aware of the regulations. Additionally, I have long-term experience with supervising the many employees of the sheriff’s department and county jail. There are presently more than 40 employees that I oversee on a daily basis. Finally, I can see the need to utilize advanced technology to assist the department with future investigations. I am comfortable with the implementation of technological advances to enhance current investigative techniques which will speed up departmental operations.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
One of the biggest issues facing the county is that there are not enough deputies on the road to answer calls and patrol the roads. I will continue to work with the county commission to create new positions. I would also continue to expand the reserve deputy program that has been successfully implemented with more officers providing service to Texas County. The second major issue that I think needs attention is the neighborhood watch program. I would like to see regular meetings with community liaisons who report back to their teams on a weekly basis. We can also utilize technology to reduce the amount of time it takes to notify the public of important information such as text alerts and email blasts.
JAMES SIGMAN (R)
Background information: I have 18 years of law enforcement experience directly serving the public. I am a 14-year veteran of the Cabool Police Department. I worked for the Texas County Sheriff’s Department under sheriffs Johnny Vandiver and Dean Belshe as a reserve, full time and part time deputy. I am a Drury Police Academy graduate and Cabool High School graduate. I have logged thousands of hours investigating a full range of crimes during my 18 years of service. I have also worked with multiple state and federal agencies investigating crimes from drug cases to homicides.
Why do you want to be the sheriff of Texas County?
I love my chosen profession and working with the public. I want to educate our children against the perils of drug and alcohol abuse which often lead to the moral compromise of a county and a nation. Originally, when I first became a deputy, I knew that someday I wanted to be sheriff. I’m 42 years old now and initially thought I would run for sheriff in my 50’s, but I’m very concerned about our county and the direction its law enforcement is going. There are also the threats to our communities such as the endangerment of the second and 10th amendments to the Constitution and illicit drug use that I do not see getting any better. It is crucial that changes be made now, that is why I decided now was the time.
Why would you be a good sheriff?
I have integrity. I am honest and fair. I understand the need for professionalism in all dealings with the public and that the public should be able to trust and respect their law enforcement. As I have said in prior articles, protecting Texas County is personal to me. Being the top law enforcement officer will enable me to have the most influence on that. I have spoken to many people and heard their desire for change. I believe my plan that I have discussed with many of you will be the positive change Texas County needs. I am a proven leader and will bring positive changes to the sheriff’s department.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
Lack of manpower, and the need for improved response times when citizens call. Texas County is the largest county in Missouri, and with only seven deputies, it is hard to cover it all. With the newly reinstated reserve deputy program we will be able to use these reserves to patrol the more rural areas of the county. Visibility is a huge crime deterrent. Reserves will also be available to assist road deputies with handling calls which will help alleviate some of the response time issues. As positions become available through attrition, the reserve deputies will provide an experienced hiring pool to work with. I would like to have deputies from different geographical areas within the county, with each deputy on call for calls arising near his or her home base – law enforcement is a 24/7 occupation.
•Texas County sheriff: Melissa Dunn, D, vs. James Sigman, R
•Texas County commissioner District 1: Rose Ward, D, vs. John Casey, R
•Texas County commissioner District 2: Ron Kramer, D, vs. Linda Garrett, R
•Texas County public administrator: Lisa Ruller Dixon, D, vs. Connie Thompson, R
•Texas County collector-treasurer: Tammy Cantrell, D, vs. Jack Hines, R