Sheriff Candidates Meet At Ray Pearson Forum
by Ashlie Hardway
EL PASO — All eleven candidates for county sheriff gathered Saturday at the Ray Pearson Forum.
All have significant experience in law enforcement. If the debate at the forum were any indication, the race for sheriff will shape up to be a clean campaign.
“They did an excellent job of stating and articulating what their position is on different issues, ” said Joe Oliva, the moderator at the forum. “They all maintained professionalism and good decorum.”
Former El Paso Police Chief Richard Wiles, retired Sheriff’s Office Commander Larry Wilkins, Sheriff Lieutenant Marvin Ryals and former Customs and Border Protection Director Luis Garcia spoke in favor of a unified metropolitan police force.
Narcotics Association Director Robert Almonte would want to have military liaison that would work with the Sheriff’s office on a daily basis.
Retired El Paso Police Sergeant Mary Lou Carrillo said she would concentrate on keeping law enforcement officer from leaving El Paso to work for federal agencies.
