Local Elections

The Democratic primary for Smith County Precinct 1 constable pits challenger Reginald "B.J." Williams, a former sheriff's office detective, against incumbent Henry P. Jackson vying for a four-year term. There are no Republican candidates.

Jackson, 55, has served as constable nine years. Williams, 44, is making his first bid for public office.

Constable Precinct 1 covers the northern, western, eastern and some southern parts of Tyler. It includes these voting boxes: 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 53, 57, 61, 62, 64, 67, 68, 69, 73 and 76.

Jackson, owner of a private security business for more than 22 years, was a reserve officer for the city of Tyler eight years and a Precinct 3 deputy constable two years prior to being elected Precinct 1 constable in 1999.

Williams began his law enforcement career in the Smith County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher and then worked as a jailer, patrol deputy and detective in the criminal investigations division. Williams' first career was in radio/television as a sportscaster for approximately 20 years.

Jackson touts several accomplishments during his tenure as constable. He said he increased the number of civil processed papers through his office "a good 45 percent," which has generated more funds for the county.

At the same time, Jackson said, the last two years he has conducted a tobacco program trying to educate young people not to smoke at an early age because it is illegal in Texas. He has conducted special stings of stores to see if they were selling tobacco to minors and written tickets to retailers who do, which has also generated funds for the county.

Jackson started a community policing program in 2005 that increased the number of neighborhood patrols in an attempt to curtail crime. Jackson said he talked to young people and other citizens stressing the fact that crime does not pay.

Jackson said he wants to build up newly started Girl Scout and Boy Scout packs. "We really need to reach out and do all we can to provide young ladies and young men leadership and guidance," Jackson said.

Jackson pledged to continue an intensive job with processing papers through justice of the peace court, adding an additional 10 to 15 percent. He said he tries to be supportive of families in bereavement and provide funeral escorts as much as possible. He is also looking at stepped up litter abatement efforts in a new term.

Williams maintained the time has come for a change in leadership for the Precinct 1 constable's office.

Williams said community policing would be his first priority, but he would take it further by meeting with people to find out what problems they are having and try to find solutions and educate people on what they need to do. Williams said he would conduct town hall meetings, be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and work to protect and serve Precinct 1 constituents.

Williams pledged he would strive to have a positive effect on people. He said he would mentor and lead all young people, including Hispanics, Asians, Anglo Saxons and African Americans.

Jackson said his office has increased involvement with Tyler schools by talking with children and presenting educational programs. He also works closely with the sheriff's office and serves papers on civil matters.

Jackson, a Tyler native, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration Texas College. He has a peace officer certification from the state and more than 1,000 hours of training, mostly from Sam Houston State University and the Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association.

Williams said he has more than 2,000 hours of training, an intermediate peace officers license and certification by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Education and Officer Standards as a special investigator.

Williams is a member and involved in training through Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators and has also received FBI training in dealing with different type situations.

He has received training in analysis of hand writing, finger printing, field sobriety, forensic death investigation and advanced techniques in handling child abuse cases.

Although originally from Nacogdoches, Williams has lived in Tyler approximately 20 years. He attended Angelina Junior College and Tyler Junior College.

Both candidates have been active in the community. Williams coached little league baseball and the Pop Warner Football League for several years. He worked to raise funds for a field house at John Tyler High School, participates in mentoring programs and programs at Ebenezer CME Church, and has played Santa Claus delivering gifts to needy families.

"I'm blessed in a lot of ways ... I want to give back," Williams said. Jackson is secretary of Tyler Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the East Texas J.P. and Constable's Association and has served on the board of the scholarship committee for the state J.P. and Constable's Association. He is also a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Jackson is a former chairman of Tyler Storefront Inc. board and the Tri-Ethnic Committee for Tyler Independent School District. He is a former member of the advisory committee for the vocational office education office, board of directors of Texas College Early Childhood Center, Mayor's North Tyler Task Force. He is a member of Rose City Civitan Club, East Texas Justice of the Peace Constables Association, Smith County Officers Association and Miles Chapel CME Church.