Posted on 07/27/2015 7:21:54 PM PDT by don-o
Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton will run against incumbent McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara in the 2016 election, documents show.
Swanton filed a report on July 17 designating a campaign treasurer, identified as Kneeley D. Lawdermilk, for the election.
As the face of the Waco Police Department, Swanton’s public profile increased significantly during the national media influx surrounding the May 17 Twin Peaks shooting, during which he gave dozens of television interviews reaching national audiences.
“I am excited about giving McLennan County voters an option for a candidate with trusted leadership skills, tested experience and a true commitment to fulfilling the role of sheriff,” Swanton said Monday.
He added that he was approached after he handled some press in the aftermath of the explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. on April 17, 2013, by people who were impressed by his communication skills and ability to handle a crisis.
“I started mulling it back then, and, as time passed, I became more convinced of my passion and desire to run for sheriff and provide a service to McLennan County that I think is lacking,” Swanton said.
He would not speak more specifically about what he believes the community is currently lacking but said he will elaborate further when he officially launches his campaign in a “couple of weeks.”
Swanton noted that while negotiating the press after the Twin Peaks shooting showed the community his skills, his mind was already made up at that point.
He added, “I’m very happy where I am right now, I really love what I’m doing for the Waco Police Department, I just think I can expand and provide to a larger population with what I’m capable of doing.”
“I love this community, and I feel like I have so much more to offer,” Swanton continued. “Right now I’m kind of bound by the City of Waco borders.”
Swanton will have been with the Waco Police Department for 35 years in October, he said.
McNamara confirmed that he will seek re-election for the post and said that Swanton called him for a meeting last week to deliver his news in person.
“I went by his house and he told me,” McNamara said. “Anybody can run. I’m going to continue to run and continue to do everything I can for the sheriff’s office and the citizens of this county to keep them safe.”
He added, “I’ve got tremendous support out there and the citizens are behind me, and I certainly take that to heart. Our motto is ‘Your safety comes first,’ and we believe in that. I tell our guys to read that motto before they ever read ‘sheriff’ on the car.
“I’m going to continue to do everything we can to keep the heat turned up on the criminals and keep the citizens safe. I assure you I’m going to do that,” he added.
McNamara, a former longtime deputy U.S. marshal, replaced retiring Sheriff Larry Lynch after winning a hard-fought Republic primary election in spring 2012, then defeating a Democratic challenger in November.
Candidates for the 2016 sheriff election must file their applications between November 14, 2015 and December 14, 2015, according to the election page of the Texas Secretary of State website.
The primary election date is March 1, 2016, with a runoff date of May 24. The general election date in 2016 is Nov. 8.
Found it. Just a brief mention that may either be valid or just hypergolic, but I expect there’s at least a grain of truth there.
http://radiolegendary.com/2015/07/lady-biker-waco-cops-targeted-bandidos-in-twin-peaks-shooting/
If the LE targeted the Bandidos, then why was only ONE Bandido killed?
There were ten times as many Cossacks available to shoot and the cops were lazy.
I do recall seeing that, but pretty much dismissed it. Source did not connect Swanton to the LLC with any documentation.
Looking at the seizure of David Martinez's (Bandidos President, Dallas) motorcycle, the affidavit recites viewing dashcam footage showing Martinez firing a handgun at the scene. Texas code allows contraband involved in criminal activity to be seized, and the motorcycle was used to transport Martinez and weapons to the scene of what turned into a fight.
Not to say the seizure is a slam dunk given, Martinez may have grounds to fight it, but that is a fact-intensive (and law intensive) inquiry. For example, if he can show that his firing the handgun was self-defense.
The Dribbler generates its own poo for flinging.
“I think that it was the undercover police. “
LOL!
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