By Hallie Richwine

The Grant County Sheriff candidate forum happened Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the Bayard Community Center. The forum was sponsored by the Silver City Daily Press and Independent and SCDP Publisher Nick Seibel acted as moderator.

Candidates for sheriff are Frank Gomez, Democrat, and Ray Tavizon, Jr., Republican.

Gomez was first to give his opening statement. He grew up in Tyrone, NM, graduated from Silver High School, and also attended WNMU. Gomez served in the United States Army and began his career in law enforcement with the Bayard Police Department in 2003. After joining the Grant County Sheriff’s department, he moved up the ranks in the patrol division and became involved with the D.A.R.E. program. Gomez aims to increase accountability in the Sheriff’s department and to create a citizen’s review committee to help increase involvement and awareness.

Tavizon is also a native of the area and went to Silver High School. His career in law enforcement started in Lordsburg where he became Chief of Police before transferring to the Grant County Sheriff’s department. Tavizon is looking to make changes in the department as he seeks the role of Sheriff.

The first question of the evening came from the audience, “What is your worst-case scenario concerning law enforcement?”

“I’m not sure, I’ve been in a lot of bad scenarios,” said Tavizon, “I don’t know what you’re exactly wanting to know, but having to do internal investigations on officers that face being accused.”

Gomez also was unsure at first. “That’s where teamwork comes in, accountability and consistency.” He believes a good group can “adapt, overcome, and improvise,” and make things happen.

Seibel asked the next question from the crowd, “What is your experience in administration?”

“Following my budget I’ve had for the last nine years in D.A.R.E., being Sergeant in Combat Arms, and also I’ve been on the school board, hiring and firing and dealing with budgets,” said Gomez.

Tavizon answered next, “I ran the Lordsburg Police Department for ten years. I did the budget, the schedule, handled the equipment and ordering, and did the training.”

“Several problems have revealed themselves the past few years. What issues do you plan to prioritize if you are elected?” asked Seibel.

“Training and accountability,” Tavizon said, “One thing to look into as far as those issues is more training for department heads; there are a lot of things to investigate in a case. Training is where everything sits.”

Seibel asked for additional information, “What kinds of training do you imagine, what form, and how would you pay for that?”

“I’d work with the County Commission to allocate monies, especially for the supervisors, to go to supervisory school,” he said.

Gomez then gave his answer, “First of all I believe the sheriff needs to lead by example.” Gomez reiterated the importance of the sheriff’s role overall by explaining that even the administration chosen reflects the departmental needs and goals. He also believes training is important and plans to use grant writers to seek additional funding where needed.

“What are your plans to have your staff trained on mental health?” Seibel asked.

“One thing is dealing with the public and how to go about it,” said Gomez, “I’d like to see a crisis intervention team so if we have suicidal subjects we can deter and de-escalate before they even see uniforms.” Gomez also pushes for a citizens’ review committee to go over such events.

Tavizon was next, “Currently everyone is trained by law standards and they need to complete so many continuing education courses. There are a lot of drug abuse and mental health issues. With an inmate or arrest, there are many questions to answer and a lot of times people don’t give up those answers.” He wants to see a partnership with GRMC’s program to better deal with these situations.

“With high profile incidents, and a more formalized process of psychological review before taking someone to the detention center, it takes an officer off the streets. What are your feelings about that process?” Seibel asked.

“That is between the attorneys, administration, and the jail,” said Tavizon. He says the sheriff’s department is aware of the known drug abusers, but if an individual doesn’t present symptoms of mental health issues at the time of arrest it is not always clear there is a problem. “We need better policies to prevent these things from happening.”

“On patrol division we had to take a test which gave us guidance of what to do for a medical clearance. We take them to the hospital for the clearance and we make sure they are as safe as they can be until they are in the care of the medical staff. Once we’re at the jail they are released to the detention center,” said Gomez. “It goes back to training. Accountable, consistent training.”

Seibel asked the candidates if they would support the sheriff’s office taking control of the detention center.

Gomez said he would be in support of such a decision and that it is all about getting the right people in the right positions. “There are people in the department that have worked in corrections.”

“Taking the jail back,” Tavizon said, “I would entertain that idea. We’d need to put a good team together that is qualified to run the detention center, to make sure those people are as safe as they can be.”

Seibel asked the next question. “Over the last two years, there has been very little interaction with the current sheriff. What plans do you have to engage with the community more?”

Tavizon said he has an open-door policy, and any time there is a big situation he will have a press conference.

“There needs to be transparency between the sheriff and the town,” Gomez said, “It’s important to be out in the community. A citizen’s review committee shows transparency.”

The next question was about how the candidates plan on filling vacancies and changing procedures.

“The Grant County Sheriff’s office used to be the place to be. We have lost a lot of experience and need transparency between the sheriff’s office and the commission to show what is going on and what needs done. We need to look at recruiting and better training to keep deputies, and get better deputies,” Gomez said.

“When I came to Silver City in 1997 there was a website and people wanted to come out here, it was the better paying agency,” said Tavizon, “We’ve sent six cadets to the academy in the past couple of years. We need to work with the commission on allocating more money, especially for the officers that have been there. We need to make them feel like they are getting something for the time they have served.”

“We’ve heard three themes; better funding, more training, and pay for deputies. Which is the priority,” asked Seibel.

“Training is one of the biggest things, it costs less money than a lawsuit. In the long run training is needed and benefits the positions,” said Tavizon.

Gomez agreed. “Training is important, it reduces liability. Training is essential.”

Seibel asked the next question. “What is the major issue facing the sheriff’s department and how will you face it?”

“Morale and pay,” said Gomez, “It takes leadership to lead and trickle down. What is good for one is good for all and if you can’t assure that, don’t do it. Show the deputies they are backed up. Show administration you can make things happen, even if you’re shut down from the commission. Believe in the brotherhood and being out there as a team.”

Tavizon agreed that the morale issues are a problem. “The sheriff should put together a good administration and staff and go to the commission to ask for more funds, so the staff sees they’re trying. You need to acknowledge when people are doing a good job. The job as sheriff is to keep those officers; you don’t want to train them just to have them leave for better pay.”

Seibel asked the candidates how they will handle their other responsibilities on boards and committees.

“Being involved in the community shows that we are out there doing things for the community,” said Tavizon.

“As far as my extracurriculars, my primary job is to be sheriff, but with the right administrative staff I’ll be able to be involved in the community. That’s what we’re out there for,” said Gomez, “It’s important to be out there.”

“What will you do to combat the growing drug problem in Grant County?” asked Seibel.

“At one time there was a narcotic division,” said Gomez, “I’d like to bring back two narcotic detectives. People make bad decisions. We will never end the drug problem, but I want people to see the detectives and think twice, it sends the message that we’re taking the county back.”

“I have worked in that capacity before; working narcotics is not an easy task. We need a good team and we need money. I want a MOU between us, Hidalgo, and Luna counties for cross training,” Tavizon said.

Seibel asked a question from the crowd, “Are crime statistics being reported correctly to the FBI?”

Tavizon explained the paperwork is always turned in to the FBI, but in 2020 they are instituting a new crime tracker that will be more accurate.

Gomez agreed that the sheriff’s office is doing its part to report to the federal authorities.

Seibel asked a follow-up question, “This new system, who is paying for it?”

“We have to budget for it,” said Gomez. “Some training will be through the state.”

“The cost is going to be over $350,000,” Tavizon added.

“Will you support an oversight committee for the detention center and one for the sheriff’s department?”

Tavizon answered first. “My opponent talks about a review board. There are pros, but there are also cons. When it comes to bringing people in, I can’t see allowing people that have no idea what crime is about to come it. Also, we have a union which would probably be against it.”

“I believe in a citizen’s review board for transparency,” said Gomez, “Not for everything, including not active cases. It’s a way to give the community proof we’re working with them.”

Seibel asked another question, “In national news, when looking at policing issues and the brotherhood of officers, there have been a couple of issues where law enforcement officers have been in situations where they were accused of a crime, and there were problems with the case when they go to court. How could this kind of thing be handled differently? How would you address it?”

“It comes down to transparency and leadership. Know you’ve had the proper training. We have to be held accountable, we are not above the law,” Gomez said.

“The law is for everybody. If someone is doing something illegal, it must be addressed. There have been cover up cases, unfortunately things turn out badly,” Tavizon said, “Had those issues been handled from the beginning they wouldn’t happen.”

“When will you announce your undersheriff?” Seibel asked.

Tavizon plans on putting Mike Yost in the position of undersheriff, while Frank Gomez chooses Jess Watkins.

Seibel asked another question, “What specifically would you do differently than the last few sheriffs to reduce crime?”

Gomez said better training. “Training and pay go hand in hand.”

“Keeping staff up to par is important in combating crime in Grant County," Tavizon said. "Bringing back neighborhood watch would help us a lot. Sometimes there are only three deputies working and handling calls. It’s hard to do patrolling when calls are coming through. Apart from training and education, we need accountability.”

The next question came from the SCDP, “Like law enforcement, the schedule of journalists happens outside the 9-5. The SCDP has consistently had trouble reaching the sheriff’s department after hours. How will you cooperate with the press during emergency situations?”

Tavizon said he will have communication with the news media. “It’s important to let people know what is going on.”

“The biggest thing is accountability. When choosing a team, we need to promote for the right reasons. There is a PIO (Public Information Officer) in the office, there is accountability in having someone that knows what their job is.”

“Why do we not get full coverage from the sheriff in Hachita? We are taxpaying citizens,” Seibel asked on behalf of an audience member.

“We used to have a deputy residing in Hachita,” Gomez said, “Again it needs to go back to the administration, having more than three deputies. It takes the improvement and blessing from the commission and we have a union as well. Hachita does pay for taxes, we need to cover them just as well.”

“If I win the election, I plan on putting a resident deputy in Hachita,” Tavizon said, “Hachita is part of Grant County. It takes two hours to get there in the case of an accident or domestic; it’s not fair to the people of Hachita.”

“Tell me about the constitutional sheriff’s organization. What does it stand for?” Seibel asked.

“The sheriff protects and defends the constitution. The people are the ones that make the laws. The government can’t tell us what to do, the people are in charge,” said Tavizon.

Gomez agreed and said it was the oath that was taken when they became law enforcement officers.

Another question was posed by the SCDP, “The focus on patrol has some newer residents surprised if they get pulled over for a traffic violation, having never been pulled over through the years. Do you feel this is an appropriate use of your resources?”

“It’s aggressive; it’s time to show the people we’re not looking back. It’s unfortunate that some people get stopped,” said Gomez.

“Patrol division is an important part of the sheriff’s department. Vehicles are stopped to make sure there are no stolen items. We’re supposed to be out there enforcing traffic laws. We have an aggressive patrol unit that is young, and they want to find things. It helps everybody in the department, including the safety of the people,” added Tavizon.

“What action can you as sheriff take to improve morale and perception?”

Tavizon aims to be fair and throw out the “good-ol’ boys” idea, and show appreciation for those doing a good job, and Gomez agreed.

Seibel followed up, asking how things have been done.

Gomez said seniority-based decisions including preferred scheduling. “We need rotating days off. Young deputies are using paid time off just to get weekends off.”

“If a promotion comes up, the most qualified should be put in the position not the one that is buddies with the sheriff. If we are promoting within, if there is someone qualified to do the work, that is trained to do the work who is bypassed by a friend of someone on top, that’s when morale issues arise,” said Tavizon.

“Do you consider yourself a hardline officer or a problem solver,” Seibel asked.

Tavizon said he considers himself to be a leader that solves problems the best he can.

“I’m a leader,” said Gomez.

The next question was from the SCDP, “The sheriff’s department continues to be one of the least responsive agencies we interact with. How will you deal with that?”

Tavizon reiterated that he will have press releases and information available.

Gomez said he wants better communication between the sheriff and the press. “Transparency has to be there.”

SCDP asked about improving access to public records.

“The law is the law. The sheriff is not above the law. If investigations are going on and the information needs redacted, if that’s all we can give that’s what we’ll do,” said Gomez.

“When a crime is committed or reported there are victims, there are suspects,” Tavizon said. “They are entitled to due process. Victims’ names need to be kept out of the press because people are afraid. We have to protect the constitution and due process. When people get upset because names are redacted, I guarantee the day we file charges or have charges pending I will have a press release.”

Seibel offered clarification, “The law is the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Law. It outlines what information is public. Under that law the information that is public is not to shame people but to get information out in a timely manner. There is still information that can be released to the public to let them know. (The press) is not trying to disturb cases you’re working on, but this is an ongoing problem.”

“I don’t know what the problems the press has with the current administration. I know the secretary works hard to redact information and is usually caught in the middle,” said Tavizon.

Gomez added that it is important who is in the PIO position.

The next question came from the audience, “Do you have any plans to create a K-9 unit?”

“We had one eight or nine years ago. We have an aggressive crew and it’s important to have a K-9 but you have to work out the operations. It’s expensive,” said Gomez.

“The main thing with the sheriff’s department now is getting personnel up to par. I know what it takes to run a K-9 unit and it takes a lot of work. You can’t do it part time. There are vet bills and dog food costs, it’s not just the glory of finding dope in a car,” said Tavizon.

“Has the department’s D.A.R.E. program been successful?” asked Seibel.

Tavizon said D.A.R.E. is not his expertise, but it’s a great tool for bringing the officers together with the community.

“It was started to talk about drugs and showed drugs, but now it (D.A.R.E.) talks about bullying, health networks, and communication skills,” Gomez said, “There are so many lessons in D.A.R.E. It’s not just about drugs. We’re building rapport with these kids.”

The next question was asked, “If you are elected, will there be more arrests?”

“We need to be more accountable, more aggressive, and take this county back,” said Gomez.

“If we continue to enforce the laws there will be arrests made if the crime continues,” Tavizon added.

Seibel asked the SCDP “time machine” question wherein the candidates imagine the thing of which they are the most proud, four years from now, when they are running for reelection.

Tavizon said the people of Grant County will respect the sheriff.

“The citizen review committee,” said Gomez.

For closing statements Tavizon spoke first. “What can I say, I’m running for sheriff and it means a lot to me. I have administrative experience, and I will work for you. Look beyond the party.”

Gomez then thanked everyone for coming. “I have been in the military and law enforcement. I have trust, leadership, and accountability.”

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