There are seven constable offices in El Paso County, each representing a different precinct. The constables work in conjunction with the justices of the peace, serve warrants, make arrests and carry out evictions as ordered by the courts. The constables serve a four-year term and are paid $107,133 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Rafael Chavez III, a Democratic candidate for Constable Precinct 6-1, did not respond to the questionnaire.
Javier Garcia, 44, a Democrat, is the El Paso County constable in Precinct 6 Place 1.
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
Rafael Chavez III: No response.
Javier Garcia: I don’t agree with this new law/authority. First of all I have no training on immigration law. In my belief it’s going to increase racial profiling, especially in a border town like El Paso. Having Texas peace officers arrest migrants is going to increase the population in the already overcrowded jails. This will also increase the cost for taxpayers for housing migrants that Texas peace officers arrest.
Rafael Chavez III: No response.
Javier Garcia: Constable offices are the people’s police, in my opinion. Constables should establish a good working relationship with their community. For example, I have a great working relationship with all of the school districts. We provide traffic control for their homecoming parades amongst many other things. I have also established great working relationships with veteran groups such as the Socorro veterans, Clint veterans, and San Elizario veterans. We also have a great working relationship with the elderly in our community.
Rafael Chavez III: No response.
Javier Garcia: I don’t think I would implement any changes. The only thing I will do is strengthen the relationships I have already established. I started this last year by getting with counselors from schools in our areas to commend students that improve in academics and attendance. I then reward the student that is picked to encourage him/her to keep up the good work.
Rafael Chavez III: No response.
Javier Garcia: I work in unincorporated areas of El Paso County. At times, the Sheriff’s Office is busy with serious felony calls. At times, we offer help to handle calls for them, which takes a workload off their backs. Our children are our future, so I strongly believe we should help with juvenile crimes. In early 2019, my office had started an Explorer program for the Lower Valley. Unfortunately, when COVID hit, we lost that program. It is a program I am looking to start again.
Rafael Chavez III: No response.
Javier Garcia: When I first took office in 2012, I took over an office that was in trouble with three pending serious lawsuits. I have established policies and procedures, hired responsible deputies and have built a strong relationship with our community. The community now trusts us and calls upon us for help and for recognition for our job. Since I have taken office, we have not had any lawsuits. I have demonstrated that I work for my community as I am always willing to help.
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The post Meet the Democratic candidates for constable in Precinct 6, Place 1 appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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