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Candidate says he has more work to do

Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor
  • BY T. MICHAEL O'CONNOR
  • Originally published May 23, 2012 at 6:57 p.m., updated May 23, 2012 at 6:57 p.m.

When I initially ran for sheriff in 2004, I promised to bring a "new vision and attitude" to the sheriff's office. We refer to this as "Excellence in Law Enforcement," and make it part of everything we do. Through the efforts of the committed men and women at the sheriff's office, we have become that promised "new vision and attitude." I am always pleased to showcase the professionalism, leadership and accomplishments of the sheriff's office by publicly highlighting who we are and what we do.

I am running for re-election out of a strong desire to serve the people of Victoria County, and to continue making our county better and safer. Serving our community is not new for me, and I see working as sheriff as a way to give back to the people of our county who have been so good to me. My family's roots run deep in Victoria County, and Victoria is my home.

Since taking office in 2005, I have focused on three key goals: reorganizing operations to increase efficiency, refining capabilities to positively impact our part of Texas, and building sustainability to ensure a modern and professional sheriff's office. In viewing the condition of the sheriff's office in 2005 and where we stand today, the differences are clear and substantial. For example, raising standards and improving training has not only led to higher morale and increased professionalism, but has helped make our sheriff's office a model in this area.

While the role of a Texas sheriff has not changed, times certainly have. An effective sheriff must work closely with the community and understand the needs and concerns of county residents. To fight crime, sheriffs stand together and collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This led me to establish the South Texas Coastal Sheriff's Alliance in 2005, which has grown to cover 22 counties along the coast and in South Texas.

Being a sheriff in the 21st Century requires keen supervisory skills and real-world experience managing people, finances and resources. Serving as sheriff, along with a lifetime of working in my family's businesses and on public boards, has allowed me to hone these skills. Sheriffs must also interact with our lawmakers in Austin and Washington as they consider policies that impact public safety. In these tough financial times, sheriffs are seeking funds from sources other than the taxpayers to enhance technological, personnel and training capabilities. To date, our office has received more than $3,000,000 in grants and $1,000,000 in equipment by aggressively pursuing outside funding.

The people of Victoria County and the Great State of Texas mean a lot to me, and I am committed to serving you as sheriff. As we move forward, I will continue focusing on the fundamental "ABCs" that have guided our efforts from the start: Accountability of office, Budgetary efficiency, and Criminal enforcement. When I put on my badge in the morning, I am accountable not only to myself and my fellow officers, but to the whole community. Our county has seen some financial difficulties, and I take care to ensure that our office uses resources wisely. I am also proud of how we work as a team with local, state and federal law enforcement to make our county safer.

Our motto, "Excellence in Law Enforcement," reminds us of what we strive for daily: to better serve and protect our community. The diligence, commitment and hard work of everyone at the sheriff's office is a constant source of inspiration to me. The proactive stewardship and law enforcement teamwork we practice is helping make a positive difference for future generations.

While we have made great strides at the sheriff's office in the past seven years, there is still much to do. I believe that public service is more important than politics, and that the people of our county deserve a sheriff's office that is the best it can be. As sheriff, I am committed to making a positive difference every day as we work to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Serving as sheriff comes with a real cost of long hours and time away from family, friends and treasured activities. I am so grateful for the unyielding support and encouragement my family gives me as sheriff. I could never do what I do without their love and "back-up." After 30 years of marriage, LuAnn and our children still tolerate my moustache, along with my predictably unpredictable life.

I am proud of what the sheriff's office is becoming, and also see a greater future for our office in serving and protecting the people of Victoria County and the Great State of Texas. Your support will allow us to send a strong message that we cannot go backward, and that we must maintain "Excellence in Law Enforcement." I ask for your prayers, I welcome your advice, and my door is always open to you. I would be honored to have your vote in the Republican Primary on May 29.

T. Michael O'Connor is the current Victoria County Sheriff. Voters may contact him at 361-220-2044 or visit his campaign website at www.oconnorforsheriff.com.