By Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-654849.mp3
Dallas, TX – Bill Zeeble: Sheriff Valdez wasted no time announcing her re-election bid, which was expected. She says she's cleaning up the Dallas County jail mess that she inherited in 2005.
Sheriff Valdez: The jail was overcrowded, understaffed and in a state of disrepair. ZThe medical provider wasn't providing adequate care. Sanitation was awful. Maintnce request when unfulfilled for weeks. This not the case today.
Zeeble: Valdez shocked political observers 3 years ago when she became the first female, Hispanic and lesbian to win the office. For years it had been run by a Republican. Valdez expects to face other Democrats in the primary. Republican Lowell Cannaday is the best known Republican who's announced he's running against her. The filing deadline is January 2nd. Bill Zeeble KERA news.