By BJ Austin, KERA Reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-771481.mp3
Dallas, TX – The candidates for Dallas County Sheriff took to the debate stage last night. KERA's BJ Austin says leadership and experience were recurring themes.
The debate was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Sheriff Lupe Valdez (D) and opponent Lowell Cannaday (R) answered questions submitted by the League and audience members at Preston Hollow Elementary after spelling out their qualifications for the job.
Valdez: I have over 30 years in law enforcement. I was a captain in the U.S. military. I have a masters in criminology and criminal justice.
Cannaday: I have had 40 years of experience in law enforcement, and 30 of those years have been in a command level position.
Lowell Cannaday is the former Police Chief of Irving.
Cannaday: All of the law enforcement organizations of Dallas County, those that are eligible to do that by law, have endorsed me.
Valdez: There are always people who will resist the reform and want to do things the same old way. But the people of Dallas County elected me to reform this department, and that's exactly what I and my employees are doing.
There were questions about federal lawsuits over substandard mental health care in the jail.
Cannaday: I've been talking to Ron Anderson at Parkland Hospital. He and I talked about the real possibility that we will have a stand alone mental health facility.
Valdez: Just last week, the consultants from Department of Justice complimented the Sheriff's Department and Parkland for the turn around of the unit.
Both say they are able to be creative in difficult budget times, will be tough on DWI cases, and work for more minority promotions.
The Sheriff closed with her record; Cannaday with his experience.
Valdez: I have a record of doing the right thing, even when my peers refuse to change. I'm proud of that record.
Cannaday: The Dallas County Sheriff's Department is a huge operation, and it is certainly not meant to be run by amateurs. It is certainly not an entry level position.
The election is November 4th.