The Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch asked our two candidates for Hays County Sheriff the following questions. This is what they had to say.
Gary Cutler
Candidate for Hays County Sheriff
HFP: What would you do to prevent continued outsourcing of county inmates?
Cutler: Based on current inmate populations we will be able to bring all Hays County inmates back to our facility upon project completion. In addition to the opening of the jail expansion and renovation, I would enhance diversion tactics that I have already initiated such as the newly created Cite and Divert Program that was installed by myself and District Attorney Wes Mau. I would also support bolstering our Pre- Trial Services Program to help find ways to get low-level, non-violent offenders out of jail. It is critical that the county as a whole plan strategically to address our continued growth so we can plan accordingly to avoid outsourcing our inmates in the future.
HFP: Do you believe Hays County is a hub for human traffickers?
Cutler: While my office has partnered with other agencies on some investigations surrounding human trafficking, I would not consider Hays County to be a “hub” for this type of crime. Being as Hays County is in the middle of the IH 35 Corridor that stretches from Mexico north through Dallas, we do encounter human trafficking on occasion, however, we have not faced the number of cases that other major cities and counties have experienced.
HFP: Do you believe the Brady List should be public?
Cutler: Yes. I believe the Brady or Disclosure List should be made public. For law enforcement to do our job effectively, we must establish the public’s trust and confidence. An officer’s integrity must remain at the highest possible level and can never be tarnished. For an individual to be put on the Brady or Disclosure List, that person will have committed an act such as being untruthful that would cause the public to lose trust and confidence in his/her capacity of being a public servant. I am proud to say that my integrity and credibility has never come into question in the 46 years that I have been in the Law Enforcement profession. My opponent cannot make that same statement.
Alex Villalobos
Candidate for Hays County Sheriff
HFP: What would you do to prevent continued outsourcing of county inmates?
Villalobos: Outsourcing inmates is a systematic issue that will not be remedied at the Sheriff’s Office alone. It will require a symphony of initiatives to address the overcrowding of the Hays County Jail. Law enforcement partners, the District Attorneys Office, the courts, pre-trial services and magistrates will be key to ensuring that we create a criminal justice system that ensures that we efficiently using tax payer dollars. There are alternatives to incarceration for low non-violent crimes and believe we should use them, with consideration to pubic safety and accountability.
HFP: Do you believe Hays County is a hub for human traffickers?
Villalobos: There is a statewide effort to combat human tracking, through education of our community and training of our first responders. With several very well used highways, we must stay vigilant as these highways can be used for transportation routes to perpetuate this type of crime. I would support initiatives that would provide educational opportunities for our community and training for our first responders, to help identify, respond and stop these types of crimes. I would also support and recommend training and resources to assist victims of human trafficking.
HFP: Do you believe the Brady List should be public?
Villalobos: If a true Brady List is created, I support public disclosure. Along with the creation of this list, I believe there should policies to incorporate due process, notice, ability to appeal, restorative justice process, and an opportunity to be removed when a disclosure has later been unfounded or not sustained. This process will keep the public informed and hold the criminal justice system accountable.
