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Hickman discussed a scenario where a constable from East Texas approached him while at the state capitol and asked him if he would be interested in some shuttle pieces that he had obtained. The space shuttle was lost during re-entry in 2003. It is a federal crime to possess government property. Hickman said, "Great, we really needed that; it gave everyone in the state of Texas a bad rep."
Steps that are being taken to improve constable requirements are the following: the candidate must be a law enforcement officer, must hold a Texas Certificate of Law Enforcement (TCLE), and must pass a background check.
These qualifications are becoming a permanent part of the state process. This, Hickman said, will lead to their constituents having more confidence in their elected official and the official would be more credible.
"The Texas State Legislature and I will be working on this issue until it's resolved," said Hickman.
Hickman went on to mention his participation in Austin during the legislative sessions.
"I got on the bill committee in the 78th session and worked on several things. One bill would allow counties to remove the constable position if it is not needed. A lot of the rural areas of Texas such as Loving County and Opal County don't have even 100 people. Most are ranchers. If you don't ranch, then you probably work for the county anyway. There is just not a lot of need for a constable. The sheriff is a one-man shop.
"There are 250 counties in Texas without a constable. We will keep working together in Austin to make improvements to the law enforcement situation."
For more information on Precinct 4, visit www.cd4.co.harris.tx.us For more information on State Legislative updates, visit www.capitol.state.tx.us
jbasnight@mail.hcnonline.net
