There's a new constable in town... er, the Upper Valley, Westside and north east El Paso. Sommers became the first Democrat to win this office in several years.

After years of questionable representation at the Constable # 7 office; Sommers plans to initiate a revamping and seamless operation with all law enforcement agencies to optimize the limited budget and also to save man power without a duplication of services.

When questioned about her wide margin of victory, Sommers replied that she was "Overwhelmed, actually, because it is a heavy Republican area. I really didn’t expect the results that we brought in. Yes, it was a huge victory in this precinct. And my family and friends and volunteers... and myself we were very excited."

Results that mirrored the heavy voting for the presidential race and brought in a heavy voting total helped push Sommers margin of victory to over 6%. This margin may not have been achievable had it not been for a dynamic presidential candidate such as Barack Obama.

When asked if the victory had sunk in, Sommers said, "Believe it or not, it took a day or two for the victory to sink in... but, now it’s there and I’m ready to go to work." But, first she must wait until the swearing in ceremony on January 1, 2009. Until that time, the current Constable # 7, is William Burkett. Burkett did not return our calls.

Burkett had several charges and indictments pending stemming from an altercation with El Paso Police Department officers. Prior to that, Gaspar Tarango was the constable for several terms. Tarango was campaigning for King Merritt the Republican candidate.

Sommers was concerned with the negative campaign that Merritt was waging against her and also the Sarah Palin effect on rejuvenating the Republican electorate. But, the results indicate that she won by nearly 1,600 votes for her wide 6% margin.

Sommers, in retrospect indicated that the public did not appreciate the negative campaign by Merritt. Sommers, summarizes "A lot of people are tired of that. I really had to call his attention and other people to his lack of professionalism. There are things in my life that are real... he didn’t have to make up those allegations." Sommers, indicated that Merritt was witnessed bashing Sommers and her family at the early voting locations.

Sommers adds, "When I really had enough was when he was belittling me in front of my daughter. We had to put a stop to it."

Given the legal problems and the difficulty of vacating an elected officials office, such as Burkett, Sommers indicates that "When we expect certain behavior from the citizens then we as law enforcement officers have to show that same level... and higher. Anybody can run for office... can pay the fees and run. You don’t have to even have experience in law enforcement. If you win, then you have to obtain your license and you can take classes at the El Paso Police Accademy or EPCC which has a great program.

On several occasions Upper Valley Beacon attempted to obtain an interview with King Merritt prior to the primary race which he won; but, each time he would say it was not a good time to talk. After the election, calls to his cell phone were met with a response by a man saying that there was "no one here by that name".

Sommers plans on working on these priorities:

1. Office professionalism. I want the deputies to look and act professional. I want to train with my deputies. I want great team work.

2. Immediate response animal cruelty unit. This would take the animal rescue responsibility from the police and it would give the animal rescue personnel a contact person that would cut through the red tape.

Sommers, wants to analize the budget, but, she has not been able to obtain the budgetary documents from the staff at the Constable # 7 office nor at the Justice of the Peace's office.

Sommers said, "I have gone by the office at least 3 times and I haven’t been able to reach anyone. The number I have for Constable Burkett is a number which I have left messages but I haven’t received a call back. They may have been out in the field... I don’t know. I will keep trying and I can get it from the County at Human Resources."

One of the problems that still has Sommers concerned is the vast expanse of the princint. Precinct # 7 covers a huge area of northern El Paso County. Not only does the precinct include the Upper Valley and part of the Westside; but, it also includes a portion to the east of the Franklin Mountians.

How will she handle this problem? Sommers, replied, "I don’t have a good answer for you but we will look at getting help from other precincts. It is a huge precinct and it is just getting bigger. We may need to look at redistricting.

Sommers, adds that, "I have not been allocated additional staff from the County Commissioners." And the Commissioners manage the purse strings for the constables office. "I would need to justify the need."

Sommers goal is to insure "professional service throughout the precinct."

And she adds that her ability to work with other law enforcement personnel is good. "The Chief of Police in Anthony and I have met and we share some common purposes. I believe that we can work well together along with the EP Sheriff and EP police department".

Sommers also stresses that her office will be open to the public and hopes that the communication and trust can be established such that the constable's office will become an integral part of the community security and health system.

Prepared by UVB staff.

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