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Sheriff Lupe Valdez today spoke to a large gathering of supporters and Democratic activists at a meeting of the Grand Prairie Democrats. The appearance at the club’s monthly meeting marks the beginning of a countywide tour of the Sheriff, who is running for re-election in 2008.
“In 2004, I won because I had supporters from across the County. As I prepare to win re-election in 2008, I am happy to visit my friends and supporters to discuss the successes of my first term,” said Sheriff Valdez.
The Sheriff’s presentation to the organization detailed the situation she inherited in the Dallas County Jail System and progress she and her staff have made in addressing it. She also discussed other areas of the Department that don’t receive as much press attention as the Jail.
“I was impressed with the improvement in medical and other basic services for the inmates, as well as the effectiveness of the DWI unit in securing convictions,” said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats.
Among Sheriff Valdez's accomplishments during her two years as Dallas County Sheriff:
• Sheriff Valdez has hired over 400 new detention officers for the Dallas County jail, and continues to work daily to address the systemic problems in the jail system left to her by her predecessors. During Sheriff Valdez's term, major progress has been made towards bringing the jail into compliance with all state and federal laws, after years of underfunding and neglect.
• Sheriff Valdez overhauled the jail commissary contracting system, canceling "sweatheart" contracts set up by her predecessor. The commissary contract now brings in $2 million a year and these funds are used to improve programs for inmates in the Dallas County Jail System, offSheriff Valdez led the development of a new Phase II of Dallas County's innovative traffic management plan. This plan allows Sheriff's deputies to patrol Dallas County highways, saving money and making aid available more quickly when drivers are injured or in danger. This new Phase II plan will extend service to almost all highway miles South of I-20 and will be fully implemented in 2008.
• Sheriff Valdez established a DNA and forensic training program to prepare Sheriff's Department deputies to help solve cold cases that had previously gone without investigation.
• Sheriff Valdez has worked with Parkland Hospital and other county agencies to dramatically improve the health care provided to inmates in the Dallas County Jail System.
• Sheriff Valdez has spearheaded dramatic improvements in jail maintenance and sanitation, addressing longstanding problems quickly and effectively.
• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the construction of the South Tower jail, a new jail system that will be organized and operated in a more modern way than the existing jail facilities.
• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the expansion and improvement of programs conducted by the Department, such as the Courtesey Patrol to aid stranded motorists and the County's DWI taskforce.
The Sheriff will continue to make appearances at Democratic clubs throughout the Fall, and will soon announce a slate of endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders.
“I’m proud of my accomplishments as Sheriff, and look forward to discussing my record with Dallas voters. We’ve come a long way in just two years, and together with my staff, the other Departments of County government and my friends in the Democratic Party, I’m going to complete the task the voters have given me,” said Sheriff Valdez.
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