The job of Denton County constable for Precinct 4 is open and two law enforcement professionals are going after it.
Sam Mooney and Tim Burch will vie for votes in the May 29 Republican primary election, both hoping to be the guy voters choose to replace John Hatzenbuhler, who is not seeking re-election.
Mooney, an investigator for the Denton County District Attorney’s Office, said there is a need for change in Precinct 4, and he plans to bring accountability, availability and professionalism to the office.
“Accountability due to the fact citizens pay elected officials’ salaries. Even though the law may not dictate they be there every day … my upbringing and background dictate to me you must go most of the time if not all the time.”
In these economic times the effort to take care of tax dollars must begin locally, a task Mooney said he understands. He watched his father, a sheriff, struggle with the budget constraints of a rural county department, he said, and learned the importance of managing and getting the job done with the resources available.
“Even though Denton County is large, you still have to take care of what you have,” he said. “You have to be frugal and look forward, but you can’t waste it either. It is public money.”
Burch, who is the chief deputy constable for Precinct 4, said the constable position is a dream and passion of his. After being groomed under the tutelage of Hatzenbuhler, Burch said it was time for him to establish his own legacy.
He said there would be no need for a transition period or a change in service, should he be elected since he knows the job.
One of Burch’s goals is to get a new government center for his precinct to enhance efficiency as well as improve officer and staff member safety. Burch said he will always appeal for more training hours to improve the office.
Burch hopes to ride a wave of support to a victory over Mooney. He said he feels the majority of the precinct is on his side because the voters know him and the positive reputation he has earned.
“It’s doing those extra things you become known for,” Burch said. “I like to think I have a pretty good chance at this and it’s in the Lord’s hands, it will happen.”
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4
SAM MOONEY
• Age: 47
• Born: Wichita Falls
• Education: bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Midwestern State University, 1986
• Experience: five years with the Seymour Police Department; one year with Archer County Sheriff’s Department; four years with Denton County Sheriff’s Office; 15 years with Denton County District Attorney’s Office
TIM BURCH
• Age: 54
• Born: Lynchburg, Va.
• Education: associate’s degree from Tarrant County College in aviation maintenance, 1984; 14 hours away from a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of North Texas; 6,500 hours of TCLEOSE training; possesses an advanced peace officer’s license
• Experience: 14 years in law enforcement, with the last nine in Denton County.
