Lewisville Police denied tools needed to deal with gangs.

I want the Lewisville police officers to have all the resources that they need to protect us. My opponent says that he speaks with our officers on a daily basis. If that's true, than he should know that there are many areas where our police officers feel they aren't getting the support and resources that they need.

There are more than 140 registered gang members in Lewisville. Our police force currently has only 1 gang unit officer. If that seems inadequate to you, you're not alone. I've heard from many officers and the consensus has been that, if we really want to do something about the gangs that are taking root in Lewisville, we need additional gang unit officers. Many of these gangs are extensions of gangs from Mexico. Our acceptance of the illegal alien population has worsened the problem. It is indisputable that the additional crime fighting tools and training that our officers want and would receive if we participated in the Federal Government's 287(g) program would be beneficial to our city. My opponent, however, is unwilling to stand up to those forces that believe illegal aliens have a right to be here. It's true, groups like La Raza are quick to call any mayor or city council member that supports the 287(g) program a racist. As mayor, they would quickly find out that I don't represent La Raza, I represent the legal citizens of Lewisville, and I won't be intimidated into denying my officers the 287(g) program by anyone. Don't believe the lies you'll hear about 287(g). I believe the Lewisville police officers when they tell me that it will help. I also believe the testimonies from cities that have used it to great success. John Gorena, posted this 287(g) success story on his website.

What other areas are we lacking in resources for our officers? You may remember reading about Lewisville's new jail facility in the newspaper. I'm glad that we have it, but we need to make sure that it's fully staffed. It's unacceptable to put the staff at risk by not having enough human resources in our new jail. Making due with what we have is not an option. Let's give them what they need.

As Mayor, I will fight for our police officers. I admire the way that Chief Lasky, our Fire Chief, is willing to fight for all the resources that he feels the fire department needs. As a matter of morale and public safety, both our fire and police departments need to be taken care of.

In addition to the vital resources that are needed, I want to provide our officers with what they need to raise their morale. My opponent's attack dogs are always yapping, "All the things you want to do improve Lewisville will cost money. How are you going to raise this money? Are you going to cut other city services or raise taxes?" That's the old way of thinking, and it has to go. There are ways to get things done other than the "business as usual" model my opponent has been taught during his "10 years of leadership training".

For example, my work as a business development consultant and talk radio personality have allowed me to build relationships with many successful businesses. Many of my radio show advertisers and sponsors spend in excess of $80,000 a month on marketing and advertising. I could go to any number of them and say, "I'm trying to raise money for some items that would really help raise the morale of the Lewisville Police. The police station is an older building and when it rains, the roof leaks. I'd like to get it completely fixed. Also, if you can help me get our guys some new desks and chairs...they have some nice leather chairs on sale at Cosco's right now...I would really appreciate it." Many of them would jump at the opportunity to help in that way. It would be an honor for them to be able to tout, "Proud sponsor of the Lewisville Police," on their websites and in their advertisements.

I would also pay attention to those little details that seem to slip through the cracks. These aren't huge requests so we have an opportunity to show the officers that we're listening at a minimal cost.