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Oct 28, 2008 4:58 pm US/Central
Big Bucks At Stake In Dallas Sheriff's Race
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The race for Dallas County Sheriff is a fierce one. In one corner is the incumbent, Lupe Valdez. She's the first Hispanic sheriff in county history and is seeking a second term.
In the other corner is Lowell Cannaday. He's a former assistant police chief in Dallas and was Irving's police chief from 1994 until 2004.
The big issue in this race is the Dallas County Jail. And you don't have to care about the treatment of jail inmates to want improvements made to it.
The jail has
failed several state
inspections. That costs Dallas County taxpayers money—-nearly $2 million so far in lawsuits and judgments stemming from neglect cases.
Both candidates have strong opinions whether the current approach is working.
"She's been there for nearly four years now," said Cannaday. "They make claims that things are better, but she has not passed (the state inspections)."
When asked to grade her first term, Sheriff Valdez says, "I would say it was great."
They don't agree on much--especially whether problems with the jail are on their way to being solved.
The jail has been under federal oversight for health and sanitation issues.
Cannaday says the current sheriff has had enough time to improve conditions. "They need somebody to come down and provide the leadership they need," he said, "In order to get the things done that need to be done in the sheriff's department."
Valdez defends herself, saying she inherited a bigger mess than her critics realize. She promises that the jail will pass inspection next year because of her administration's progress.
"It would be nice if I could, like in the movies, wiggle my nose and make something happen," Valdez said. "But I'd rather take my time and do it right."
The candidates disagree over whether morale is low among deputies and jailers.
The sheriff touts the department's highway management program and DWI enforcement as signs that her employees are working hard. "All of this would have never happened," she said, "If we had such low morale."
But her opponent claims low morale is the reason he's been endorsed by the Dallas County Sheriff's Association, which represents employees of the department.
"Unfortunately," Cannaday said, "She's relinquished most of her authority, particularly with regard to the jail, and they don't appreciate that."
Whoever wins will be tested early with another jail inspection scheduled for early next year.
You can learn about both candidates in our
Voters' Guide and make an informed decision at the polls.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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