Candidates for Sheriff of El Paso County EPPC Sheriff Candidates Forum - Norhtwest Campus Library (Lt.-rt.) Richard Wiles, Larry Wilkins, Carlos Leon.

The field is huge. An even dozen candidates are running for Sheriff of El Paso County and three-quarters of them were in attendance at the El Paso Community College Sheriff Candidates Forum on January 17th, 2008. The forum was conducted at the Northwest Campus Library of EPCC.

The forum was facilitated by EPCC and Library staff.

      The field includes:

      Robert Almonte
      Mary Lou Carrillo
      Maria Guadalupe Dempsey
      Luis Garcia
      Carlos Leon
      Alejandro "Al" Patiño
      Jose Ramirez
      Marvin Carrasco Ryals
      Gabriel Serna
      George Stoltz
      Richard Wiles
      Larry G. Wilkins

Not in attendance: Robert Almonte, Luis Garcia and George Stoltz.
     
     
     
     
     
With such a large field it is expected that their will be a runoff election on April 8th, 2008 for the Democratic Party. There the top two candidates will fight it out for one of the top elected offices in El Paso County. The winner of the Democratic nomination will end up as Sheriff next year after winning the general election in November.

Many observers consider the two front runners to be former EPPD Chiefs; Carlos Leon and Richard Wiles. Others mention those that have been in the Sheriff's department such as Marvin Carrsaco Ryals and Larry G. Wilkins. However, due to the size of the field, no one candidate will need to domnate the field and one is not expected to do so. Therefore, many people have indicated that other candidates including Mary Lou Carrillo have a strong chance of making the runoff election. Carrillo is getting her message and her name out in the community.

While all the candidates discussed their educational and experiencial qualifications there was some difference of opinion as to the direction the Sheriff's office should move the department.

While some candidates wanted to keep the status quo; others think that there is need for change. Those that have been a part of the Sheriff's department say they will build on the past. Those with other career backgrounds say it is a time for change.

Aspects discussed were those revolving around immigration and consolidation. But, the topics of racial profiling and drug related bribery and corruption in the Sheriff's department and EPPD were not brought up. So UpperValleyBeacon.com asked some of the candidates after the forum.

When we asked about the legal battle in the Lower Valley over illegal check points by Sheriff Leo Samaniego that were alleged to target illegal immigrants that had escalated to charges being filed against a shop owner who put up a sign warning residents of the check point down the road; Dempsey said she had heard rumors "I don't know exactly what the outcome of what he was doing... all I know is some of the things people were alleging... how true that is, I don't know." Dempsey indicated that she would protect all residents... and added that it is very difficult to "serve someone who fears you", adding "I have no problem with check points... but, there will not be any racial profiling".

As far as the reports that we have about the EPPD not arresting illegal immigrants even when there is a crime reported; Carrillo maintained that all reports of crimes are processed fully by the EPPD and that there is not any policy by the EPPD to ignore crime reports where the perpetrator is an illegal immigrant.

  For comments from the audience - Click here.

  (Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)

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