Pat Lykos - Republican Speaks: TAYLOR: How important is good leadership during times of crisis? LYKOS: Leadership is vital to swift assessment, rapid response, optimizing use of resources, adaptation to changing circumstances and minimizing collateral damage in controlling a crisis. Leaders should always demonstrate a calm confidence and be decisive. The effective enforcement of our criminal laws is essential to keeping the social fabric intact, which is based upon law and order and the rule of law. As Drucker said, “Leaders do the right things and managers do things right.” Good leaders hold themselves accountable first, and then their subordinates. TAYLOR: Do you consider yourself to be a leader? If so, in what way? LYKOS: Yes, I have a track record of inspiring and working with others to accomplish objectives and attain goals. I have the temperament, experience, knowledge and maturity to lead the many dedicated professionals in the DA's office. The District Attorney is the top law enforcement official in the county and has a duty to maintain the highest ethical standards while ensuring that justice is done, criminals are vigorously prosecuted, crimes are solved and prevented. TAYLOR: Other than yourself, who is the most effective leader you know alive today? LYKOS: Margaret Thatcher is the most effective, former leader, alive today. General David Patraeus is the most effective current leader alive today. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th? LYKOS: I have devoted my life to serving the public and pursuing justice. I have the necessary qualifications for the job of District Attorney having been a Houston police officer, litigator in federal, state, local and appellate courts; and as a criminal district court judge. I have presided over more than 20,000 felony cases. Restoring public trust and confidence in the District Attorneys office through principled leadership and transforming it into the best in the nation based upon ethics and professionalism. I will vigorously prosecute the guilty, diligently enforce victims' rights, pursue swift justice, solve and prevent crime. I will also combat and prevent crime by effectively working with local, state and federal law enforcement and the community. |
C. O. "Brad" Bradford - Democrat Speaks: TAYLOR: How important is good leadership during times of crisis? BRADFORD: Good leadership is essential to the successful operation of any entity during a time of crisis, especially in a governmental organization that has the responsibility of protecting the public, such as the Harris County District Attorney's Office. That office requires a leader with strength, integrity and sound judgment. During a crisis, a leader's character is put to the ultimate test and their ability to lead must be an example for all who follow, uniting others to work for the greater good of all. A leader must be able to recognize the source of the crisis, ascertain available resources and then determine the most appropriate solution; then he or she must be strong and wise enough to efficiently and effectively implement that solution. TAYLOR: Do you consider yourself to be a leader? If so, in what way? BRADFORD: I am a leader and my experience has been demonstrated in many ways. I am able to inspire others as well as provide guidance, coaching and counseling. I have a passion for the safety of our community. I have been an Attorney for 15 years and spent 24 years with the Houston Police Department, seven as Chief of Police. As Chief, I led 7,000 employees and managed a $500 million dollar budget while working to protect the public. The City of Houston has faced serious public safety issues. During my tenure as police chief, citizens' fear of crime and public safety concerns decreased from a high of 59% in 1996 to a low of 10% by 2003. I have a record of working closely with the community and under my leadership the Houston Police Department had more than fifty community-related programs that allowed citizens and HPD employees to work together to protect our community. TAYLOR: Other than yourself, who is the most effective leader you know alive today? BRADFORD: General Colin Powell TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th? BRADFORD: I am uniquely qualified to lead the District Attorney's Office. I have the education, training and experience needed to change the culture of that office from “win at all costs” to seeking justice and public safety. I will obey the law, respect the principle of justice and pursue the truth. I will exercise good fiscal stewardship of our resources. I will be visible and accessible to all communities and work diligently with public and private entities to establish collaborative efforts in the interest of public safety. |
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