BOWIE COUNTY SHERIFF

DARE OFFICER WOULD USE DRUG MONEY TO HELP COUNTY

Citing his concern for better use of financial resources, fighting
illegal drugs and improving the morale and professionalism in his
department, Bowie County Deputy Mike Landers is seeking to become
sheriff in the Nov. 2 General Election.

"Bowie County has a strong heritage of faith and family and I possess
a desire for positive changes within the community," said Landers, who
is a Republican.

Landers said he views the sheriff's position as a team effort with the
County Judge and the Bowie County Commissioners Court.

"It's our responsibility to bring revenue into the county, which will
help decrease the financial burden on the citizens," Landers said.

Landers' plans for bringing in revenue consists of multiple facets,
the first being the leasing out excess jail space at the Bowie County
Correctional Center. Landers said the county's citizens should benefit
from the profits of housing out-of-state inmates.

"It has been proven to work successfully in the past as a multimillion
dollar operation, which produced revenue for the taxpayers of Bowie
County," Landers said.

Besides acquiring contracts for housing out-of-state inmates, Landers
also said the current jail run by Civigenics is substandard compared
to when it operated under the Sheriff's Department. Landers believes
the 748-bed Correctional Center should be operated by Bowie County
employees instead of being contracted out to private agencies. If
elected, Landers said he would make the jail issue a priority.

Next, Landers, 56, said he would like to re-establish the Drug Task
Force to enhance revenues by taking drug money from dealers and using
it to benefit the county.

Also, Landers said revenue for state and federal grants should be
explored.

As for combating the continuing illegal drug trade, Landers said the
Drug Abuse Resistance Education program needs to be continued.

"It's our responsibility to provide drug interdiction forces on all
public roads, to ensure not only the safety of Bowie County, but the
safety of all citizens," he said.

Landers said developing a School Resource Officer program would
strengthen efforts to fight illegal drugs. His plans don't stop with
just controlling crime.

"Officers should receive merit pay increases based on their job
performance and tenure," Landers said. "Implementation of a career
ladder would boost morale and offer each officer the opportunity to
excel."

To emphasize his point, Landers said a new deputy receives the same
salary as one who has 20 to 30 years experience.

Landers said his motivational skills and his ability to cultivate
positive relationships make him the better candidate for sheriff.

"As your sheriff of Bowie County, I'll work hard to encourage faith
and family values as well as use every resource within my power to
ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Bowie County."