GROVES, Texas — Groves voters are preparing to make an important decision this election season. In addition to the mayor and two city council seats, the Groves city marshal seat is also on the ballot.
Two longtime law enforcement officers are vying to become the next Groves city marshal.
Interim City Marshal Christopher Robin and Groves patrol supervisor Rudy Guerrero both say they are the best choice for the position.
Both candidates are skilled law enforcement officers who have spent most of their careers with the Groves Police Department.
The position has been open since the previous marshal retired in January.
Christopher Robin has been serving as interim city marshal and says his love for police work began 12 years ago as a patrol officer.
"I'm endorsed by every single city marshal who has served since 1974, several of whom both my opponent and I have worked for," Robin said.
Robin spent five years as a criminal investigations detective before being promoted to patrol sergeant.
As interim chief, he says he has gained skills in managing a budget and overseeing the hiring process. He made it a priority to apply for more than $30,000 in grants.
"Within just a month of taking the reins, we worked on grant writing and submitted two grants by the Feb. 12 deadline," Robin said. "Radios, body-worn cameras, equipment that is very, very important—a necessity," Interim City Marshal Robin said."
Opponent Rudy Guerrero has 24 years of law enforcement experience, with 18 of those years at the Groves Police Department.
"I've trained other officers. I'm actually number one in seniority in the department," Guerrero said. "I've even trained my opponent."
Like Interim City Marshal Robin, Guerrero has worked as a patrol officer and an investigator before being promoted to patrol supervisor.
If elected as marshal, Guerrero wants to re-establish the narcotics division that was dismantled several years ago.
"Drugs bring all kinds of crimes—murders, we've had a few over the years," Guerrero said. "You know, prostitution, anything. Our youth is number one," said Guerrero.
If elected, Guerrero's main focus will be addressing the department's high turnover rate.
"That's one of my bigger issues," Guerrero said. "We're a 23-man department, and in the 18 years that I've been here, I've worked with two completely new police departments."
Both candidates plan to make safety in Groves a priority by reducing crime.
Early voting ends tomorrow, Nov. 1.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.