From gosanangelo.com, May 5, 2008:
SAPD showed teamwork
Editor: I have been a San Angelo police officer for 19 years. I have always been proud of my job, especially the past few years, and never more than during the past few weeks while we dealt with what Standard-Times columnist Rick Smith called the "biggest national news ever to come out of San Angelo" - the FLDS hearings. I was proud that reporters, attorneys and other agencies from all over the country took the time to stop and praise our department for a job well done on transporting, securing and accommodating everyone involved. Going by the comments made directly to me, the two things they were most impressed and surprised by were how smoothly things were handled and how much we all cared about them and the victims. During this campaign for SAPD chief, people have told you there is low morale in the department. But if you had seen how hard all the officers worked, and known how many off-duty officers were constantly calling or showing up to see if they could pitch in, you didn't see low morale. You saw the real teamwork that has become normal in our department. You have been told our department suffers from a lack of leadership, but if you could have seen for yourself how smoothly this operation went under Chief Tim Vasquez's planning and how well coordination went under the supervision of Lt. Les Bird, Lt. Jeff Fant, Sgt. Mike Hernandez, Sgt. Fred Dietz and Sgt. Steve Wilson, you would have been as proud of the SAPD as I am. If you know any of these officers, give them a pat on the back because, trust me, if we had not done a good job, the whole world would have known, and they worked like energizer bunnies to make you proud. One of Vasquez's greatest skills is knowing who to put in which leadership role and letting them do their job. I hope voters are aware that they are choosing not only a chief but an entire command structure, and it would be such a loss to see this department get totally reshuffled. It's sad that events like this one happen at all, but it's great that our police department, under Vasquez, was trained and prepared to do such an awesome professional job. Debbie Wilson San Angelo
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Vasquez talent God-given
Editor: I would like to let everyone know that although San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez plays in a band called "Funky Munky," he also plays for his church band. He has a God-given talent and should be able to follow through with what God has given him. I'm speaking as a Christian and a citizen of San Angelo for 42 years. From what I've seen, Vasquez has been doing a great job. Lorrie Boon Christoval
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SAPD, election prompt letters
Editor: Congratulations to San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez and the women and men of the SAPD on their recent award for excellence. My husband retired from the SAPD after 26 years of service. I was always proud of him, his job and the uniform he wore. After all those years, there was not a single complaint in his personnel folder or a speck of tarnish on his badge from wrongdoing. Thanks to all the officers for the stress you endure and the risks you take daily. No one knows that better than the spouse of an officer. June Heinze San Angelo
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Chief involved in community
Editor: As long as San Angelo keeps the elected police chief system, every four years is going to resemble a national election. This results in different groups within the department pushing their candidates. I get tired of all the mud-slinging, criticism, dissension and trumped up charges that come up against the incumbent chief. While there are some well-qualified candidates in the race that I like, I see nothing that convinces me that SAPD Chief Tim Vasquez has not done a good job. He deserves another term. Vasquez has brought credibility to the office. He has been successful in lowering crime and continues to work hard to alleviate drugs and gang activity. I congratulate Vasquez on not only being visible in the community, but for his willingness to serve on community projects, youth education programs and service with charitable organizations. Vasquez is involved in San Angelo. Jim H. Hughes San Angelo
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Don't support mudslingers
Editor: Is there now a quota that requires at least one front- page inflammatory headline about San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez per week? Maureen Kirksey in her March 26 letter, "Dirty charges target Vasquez," hit the nail on the head. The "ethics" article appeared with a picture of Vasquez and a headline that punishment would be sought against him, yet in a small sentence at the end of the article, it was stated that Vasquez may not even be held liable for the actions. The general population is intelligent enough to see through your bias and will probably hold those behind this "muddy" campaign responsible for their actions. The candidates behind these tactics would not receive my vote if they were the only people running. I choose neither to support people for whom this is the only campaign strategy nor those who encourage them. Suzanne Cole San Angelo
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Chief has been asset to city
Editor: I couldn't agree more with Maureen Kirksey's March 26 letter, "Dirty charges target Vasquez." It's time we let the people of San Angelo know that San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez has not only been an excellent police chief but an asset to the community. He is an excellent people person and obtains high, admirable moral standards. He has brought the crime rate down and, therefore, has done the job required of him. The people of San Angelo are not ignorant, and with the Internet and media of today, we can make decisions on our own. So quit the mudslinging, cut down the malicious attempts, and let the people decide. Mima Morua San Angelo
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Vasquez not at fault for letters
Editor: We felt we owed it to the voters and especially to San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez to write this letter to clarify the issue with the letters written by Devin Bates. In San Angelo, if a chief wishes to seek a second term, he has to continue to run the department while running a campaign. On top of this, Vasquez gives much of his time to a number of charitable organizations. For this reason, we have all, Bates included, tried to help out with whatever we could to take the burden off of Vasquez. When we decided to put on fundraisers, we each volunteered for different tasks. Bates volunteered to write letters to friends of ours and the chief's who we thought might be interested in helping host these events. These are the letters in question. Vasquez did inspect the regular invitations because they were sent out to a broad list of people, and we considered these "public" correspondence. Vasquez did not supervise any of us in correspondences with our friends. We have every confidence that Vasquez and Bates will be allowed by the Texas Ethics Commission and the Attorney General's office to tell the truth of all this, and that minimal, if any, civil penalty will be brought upon Vasquez. The insinuation that he had any foreknowledge or criminal intent is simply not true. We are on this committee because we believe Vasquez has done an outstanding job and that our city is better because of his efforts. We continue to believe that and ask that you do not use our mistakes against Vasquez or sway your assessment of the job he has done and could continue to do as your chief of police. Collin Burdine, Kevin Collins , Manuel Campos, Darrell Gill, Jim Hughes, Leslie Lasater, Stephen McLaughlin, Raymond Meza, Kathleen Pfluger and Corky Soloman Re-Elect Tim Vasquez Steering Committee
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Chief wrongly accused
Editor: I was working at the Oasis night club the night of the alleged incident involving San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez. The incident that the chief is accused of could not have happened and gone unnoticed by me, not to mention the many other people that at times were closer than me to the conversation. This all took place right in front of the entrance to both the men's and women's restrooms as people went in and out. I was never more than 25 feet away. I did not witness any incident, much less what he has been accused of. As far as I am aware, no one has said that they saw this happen, and if it were to have happened, someone would have seen. I gave a sworn statement to the chief investigator. I was asked, and I agreed, to take a polygraph, but it was never scheduled. These facts alone should make it clear to anyone as to who is telling the truth regarding this alleged incident. Alex Bush San Angelo
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Candidates do not intend to violate law
Guest Column by William F. Collins I felt it might be interesting to see just how squeaky-clean our San Angelo police chief candidates are with respect to current election laws. These men are not campaign experts, and frankly, the compensation for the office doesn't put them in a position to hire experts to make sure they make no mistakes. Local Republican activist Jim Ryan and others have jumped in to identify possible violations by the incumbent. This may be an honest attempt to make sure that all rules are followed. But it is puzzling to me why he hasn't pointed out any other candidate's violations. If you take a look at the campaigns, it's easy to find violations of the current election code by most of them. I doubt they are intentional, but they have happened and I have examples to prove that the things I am pointing out are true. Jeff Davis has handed out business cards and posted multiple ads in the Standard-Times stating "Jeff Davis Chief of Police" This is a violation. Section 255.006 subset C is the section that defines misleading use of office title. That law says political advertising or a campaign communication that states the public office being sought, but does not include the "for" in a type size that is at least one-half the type size used for the mane of the office to clarify that the candidate does not hold that office is a violation. This keeps candidates from inferring that they already hold the office they are seeking. Is Davis trying to mislead you or just not up to speed on election law? Ed Kading circulated a letter dated Jan.31, 2007, to potential supporters that failed to have any political disclaimer. This is a violation of 255.001 in the election code, which states that it is a requirement that all political advertising have a disclaimer. Kading also has signs that do not have the "right of way" disclaimer that is a requirement of election law. Is Kading deliberately not complying or is not completely up to speed on election law? Ed Cunningham distributed a brochure that has no disclaimer that declares in writing that the brochure is paid political advertising. Is Cunningham deliberately trying to deceive you or just not up to speed on election law? Steve Mida recently removed songs from his web site, including Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA". Those songs being there was violation of copyright laws and illegal. Was he trying to break copyright laws? It seems obvious that these men had no idea that they might be making a mistake or breaking a rule. This also goes for Tim Vasquez, the current SAPD chief. Letters sent out by someone who supports him on the wrong letterhead have nothing to do with his ability to be chief. Again, I feel it is interesting that these proclaimed politicos only found the need to file violations on the chief. Blaine Martin was quoted as saying he was trying to get back at Vasquez, and this furthers the notion that this is mudslinging. I don't think Davis was trying to convince me he was the incumbent, nor Kading claiming special highway privileges. Cunningham wasn't saying his brochure was free, and Mida wasn't saying he was endorsed by Greenwood. And I don't think Vasquez was trying to scare anyone into supporting him. The citizens of San Angelo would be better served if we could spend the time left before the election looking at the true experience and ideas of the candidates so we can put, or leave, the best man for the job in office. William F. Collins is a San Angelo resident and a retired bank officer
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Vasquez opponents bark up wrong tree
Editor: This is regarding the March 15 article, "Vasquez faces criminal probe." It's like a witch hunt, and it's been that way since San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez's first campaign against Steve Mida. It's clear his challengers are eager to find and use anything to stain the chief's image. What's worse is that even from out of town, Blaine Martin feels the need to add wood to the fire. It's obvious it's all in an attempt to have Vasquez removed. The opponents are running desperately against Vasquez. Why? Vasquez's slogan says it best. He has run, won and worked professionally. He's been proactive as chief of police, not just giving "lip-service." Above all, he has proved what he's campaigned and what he stands for. Vasquez's history with the SAPD and now having served as chief isn't comparable with the other's experience. I don't need to help my former classmate's campaign. Vasquez's opponents, in all their efforts to find fault in him, his campaign and his work, are doing just that for him. They're re-enforcing all the reasons to re-elect him. Why should I vote for any of the others? Granted, Vasquez is a human and not perfect, which I'm certain he'd be the first to admit. He isn't using his position to call attention to the opponents and their errors. To all those who haven't made a decision how to cast your vote for the police chief, let me just remind you of this: Be careful of the dogs that bark the loudest. Melissa Bargas-Hernandez San Angelo
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'Petty' charges against Vasquez
Editor: Those accusing San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez of wrongdoing are showing the desperation of individuals willing to sling any and all mud, however minuscule. The March 15 front page article, "Vasquez faces criminal probe," while newsworthy, is yet another example of "much ado about nothing." Devin Bates, the chief's campaign treasurer, used Town and Country Food Store letterhead and a company postage meter to send out two campaign letters for the chief's re-election campaign. While technically it could be a violation of state election code prohibiting corporations from donating to campaigns, it seems a little petty. After all, why stop the "criminal" probe there? Perhaps Town and Country staples or paperclips were also used. Did Town and Country employees lick the envelopes? Break out the DNA mouth swabs! How about the free coffee that might have been given to on-duty police officers by a Town and Country Food Store employee? A simple gesture of kindness and appreciation or covert campaign contribution? I can see Vasquez and Bates months ago in the back of Town and Country headquarters hatching their great "paper and postage" scheme. Maniacal laughter can be heard as the free cappuccinos are poured and the Little Debbies are consumed. Reality: Perhaps Bates goofed. Solution: The Vasquez campaign pays for the letterhead and postage. With so much at stake in the police chief election, I hope we will have more to talk about in the future than stamps and staples. Lee J. Francis San Angelo
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"Dirty Charges" target Vasquez
Editor: If I could only try to win an election by dragging up dirty charges, true or false, against my oppnent, I'd throw in the towel. Is the Standard-Times biased against San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez? How about running some of the good things he has done? Maureen Kirksey San Angelo
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Vasquez goes beyond duty
Editor: Our world is full of the negatives. Daily we have to work at looking on the brighter side. We count our blessings and never want to forget how fortunate we are to live in America - enjoy the riches of this land and the freedoms available to us. Why do we clutter our newspapers, minds and thoughts with negative ads, negative campaigns, etc.? It is self destructive. We have a wonderful community with a can-do attitude. We work together to achieve goals for San Angelo. San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez has been one of those people who works for the positive in our community. If it is helping young recruits pass the law enforcement exam, supporting neighborhood celebrations and activities or supporting early childhood development with reading, Vasquez has gone beyond to make the efforts successful. In addition, Vasquez worked as chairman for the United Way campaign. These are not easy tasks and are certainly beyond the job description. The Adult Literacy Council introduced a new project to Vasquez several months ago called BADGES and BOOKS. Bags of books are placed in police cars for officers to give to young children they encounter. Officers represent another role model who can and are helping the young child experience the gift of reading. Vasquez was eager to get all police cars packed with books. Let's keep with the can-do attitude. Stay positive and recognize those who make a difference in our community. Marilynn Golightly San Angelo
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Vasquez always a gentleman
Editor:
As a citizen of San Angelo, I attend lots of social and sporting events where San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez is in attendance, either as a police officer or as a private citizen. He is always extremely professional, whether he is wearing his uniform, a nice dark suit or jeans. I have observed him on duty, having lunch with friends and playing the drums with his extremely talented band, "Funky Monkey." If seated, he rises to greet me. On the nights I have been to the band's concerts, which are well-attended by San Angelo residents, he is a gentleman on the stage and off. He has contributed so much to our police force and the city of San Angelo. Vasquez is not only a great police chief, but he is also an honest family man and a gentleman. Charlene Brasher San Angelo
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Trucks put on monster show
Editor:
My family and I attended the recent Monster Truck Slam. The show was totally awesome. I wanted the opportunity to say thank you to our police department for directing traffic and getting everyone out of the San Angelo Coliseum in a safe and speedy manner. Special thanks to Chief of Police Tim Vasquez for his direction in keeping the citizens of San Angelo safe. Mary E. Palos San Angelo
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Vasquez a fine man, police chief
Editor:
It is such a sad time when you have to dig up something dirty - actual or made up - from your opponent's past to win an election. I support San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez. He has done an excellent job. He is well-educated, neat in appearance, speaks well and has been sincere in trying to improve San Angelo. I encourage others to vote for this fine man, as I will. Maureen Kirksey San Angelo
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