This is an interesting race. With the exception of one candidate, everyone has been positive and running on their own merit. And even that candidate is positive in public appearances, using surrogates to slime his opponents in the background. But when you finally sort through the records, two guys stand out: Louis Guthrie and Harold Heuszel. And in my view, Louis Guthrie emerges as a clear choice for Harris County voters.
As we have discussed previously, Louis Guthrie was a high achiever and on the fast track until the current sheriff, Adrian Garcia, figured out a way to eliminate him as possible future competition. Only he didn’t succeed, as noted. Sucks to be Sheriff Garcia come November.
Louis Guthrie is a natural born leader of men, of that I have no doubt. But what sets him apart is his ability to triage a crisis, formulate a plan, and then execute it with success. I talked to a dozen or more law enforcement officers that had been under his command at one time or another – to a person, they had positive things to say about his leadership. Neither he or his campaign consultant (I wouldn’t have listened to that loser anyway) directed me to these deputies, I found them on my own. And folks, when the troops that you command support you, that is a big deal.
Another thing that drew my support was his frankness about the budget situation at the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner’s Court is going to have to find a way to allocate more money for this vital part of our county law enforcement. Both Louis and Harold acknowledged this. Because of Louis’ long track record with the Commissioners, I think that he will have the best chance at securing the necessary increase in funding. I know, I know, I’m a Republican and we just cut, cut, cut. That is not true. As small government conservatives, we simply want the best government for the lowest possible cost. I trust that Louis is committed to that goal based upon his record.
I also like that one of his plans includes a large increase in the Reserve unit – and I hope that he will draw upon Harold’s expertise in that area. Louis also has very detailed plans for neighborhood command centers that I like and he stresses the need to supply his troops with the resources that they need to get the job done.
Louis has a forward looking vision for the department that I think will mesh well with District Attorney Pat Lykos‘ vision for county law enforcement and I think they will be a dynamic team to lead the Republican ballot in Harris County in November. It is true that many Lykos supporters support another candidate, one that makes the traditional claim of cutting the budget without specifying where and when, so Louis will have to work on that crowd. But once they realize that he is right about the budget, and he most certainly is, I think they will make the leap and vote for the guy that I think has a huge upside, is fearless in the face of adversity, and gives Republicans an opportunity to put a real lawman in that post.
I hope you join me in voting for Louis Guthrie for Harris County Sheriff.