Meet Alex Villalobos

What is your background and campaign platform?

Hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, masters degree in public administration. State certified, active licensed, commissioned, master police officer. I have experience in all aspects of law enforcement, patrol, investigations, supervisor, and executive level. Former Elected Kyle City Council Member, FBI Command College, LEMIT Module 1 & 2. Current Hays County Chief of Staff. I ascribe to transformational and servant leadership, to support transparency and accountability. alexforsheriff

What is the appropriate level of police staffing and how much oversight should the Sheriff exercise?

Prioritizing community engagement, crime prevention, and de-escalation tactics over simply increasing officer numbers is paramount. Best practices, endorsed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), advocate a holistic approach to public safety, transcending traditional policing methods. This involves investing in community policing initiatives, fostering trust through outreach programs, cultural competency training for officers, and implementing civilian oversight boards to address root causes of crime. Additionally, resource allocation and staff increases should be data-driven, with resources focused on areas with high crime rates and community-specific concerns, while also supporting mental health and social services. Robust oversight mechanisms, including independent review boards, regular audits, and transparent complaint procedures, are crucial to ensure accountability and strengthen trust in law enforcement. By emphasizing ongoing training in de-escalation techniques, implicit bias awareness, and crisis intervention, officers can effectively handle diverse situations, minimize unnecessary use of force and improve community relations. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including community organizations and mental health professionals, further enhances public safety and well-being. In conclusion, a comprehensive approach to policing that emphasizes community engagement, data-driven decision-making, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders is essential for the Sheriff's office to effectively serve our community.

What would your low-level marijuana offense position be once elected?

Our approach to low-level marijuana offenses will prioritize diversion programs, community service, and education, aligning with the best modern practices. We will aim to reduce unnecessary incarcerations, address underlying issues, and alleviate jail overcrowding.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has a Mental Health Unit. What is your opinion of having such a unit and would you be an active advocate to get such a unit in place for Hays Co?

"I have experience in creating a mental health response team and would create and fully support a specialized response team, additionally, I would support all deputies to be certified mental health officers. By integrating mental health perspectives into our approach, we can better address the root causes of the drug abuse and support those impacted. The Fentanyl crisis requires a holistic approach, including mental health considerations. As Sheriff, I will lead the department to: ‚ó¶SUPPORT: Providing mental health resources and counseling for individuals affected by Fentanyl addiction, addressing underlying issues. ‚ó¶TRAINING: Equipping law enforcement officers with crisis intervention training to effectively respond to mental health-related incidents and Investigative skills and techniques to identify drug abuse cases. ‚ó¶COLLABORATION: Partnering with mental health professionals and community organizations to offer comprehensive support to those in need. ‚ó¶PREVENTION: Promoting mental wellness and resilience in our communities to prevent substance abuse and addiction. Use data driven practices to understand trends to educate both our staff and community. By integrating mental health perspectives into our approach, we can better address the root causes of drug abuse and support those impacted."

What is your position on contracting with other counties or private prisons to outsource our inmates?

I will commit to programming that would support diversion programs and mitigate incarceration of low-level nonviolent crimes where we can. I have personally worked to help create a Public Defenders office, Pre-trial services programing, expansion of mental health court, and support of veteran’s court. I will create a strategic plan for recruitment, retention, and training to ensure that the jail is fully staffed, so that we can utilize all areas of our current facility, and work to eliminate our current 17-million-dollar contract in Haskell County. Should we need to house inmates outside of our facility, our staff will ensure that the identified facility can provide all the appropriate resources necessary to support medical, legal, safety and mental health services.

What Democratic values will you apply to your work once elected?

Once elected, I will uphold Democratic values such as equality, justice, and opportunity for all. My work will be guided by principles of inclusivity, fairness, and compassion, ensuring that every member of our community has a voice and the opportunity to thrive. I will prioritize policies that promote social and economic equality, protect civil liberties, and address systemic injustices. Together, we will build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.

If elected, would you support the Hays County Democratic Party by your presence at events and, if possible, financially? If not, please explain why.

I have been an active member for over almost a decade and plan to be engaged in the political process through the Hays County Democratic Party, through active engagement, and financial support.

Will you and your campaign participate in the Hays County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign effort in 2024?

Yes we will and I support a coordinated campaign.