I have been disturbed about the current events unfolding around Sheriff Mike Meehan. There are “subtle” statements being expressed that he lacks leadership and communication skills needed to serve another term (May 5 Beacon: Morale at Center of Sheriff’s Race). I would like to offer a short argument against this type of reasoning.
The sheriff’s position is not just any ordinary organization or business. He is the chief law enforcement officer over a specific region. Therefore, the sheriff’s character has to be above reproach, and is of higher value than any given set of CEO-type skills. Has Meehan’s integrity ever been in question? Has Meehan broken any laws? If not, why did some deputies initiate a vote of no confidence? The best that I can tell using reliable news sources (not anonymous letters via the Internet), is that certain deputies have been disciplined too hard, while others not hard enough.
Does Meehan have the authority to discipline personnel differently according to the offense and situation? I would argue that he does, and that he extends a similar authority to his deputies over the public. A case in point: If I break the law by speeding; the officer might arrest me, write me a ticket or issue me a warning. The officer on site has the authority to judge what level of punishment the situation deserves. Did I endanger anyone’s life? Do I have a bad driving record? Is it my first offense? Was I respectful or belligerent? Did I assume responsibility for my actions? It appears that Meehan used his authority, likewise, to determine his course of action with his deputies. Should I as a voting citizen have a reason to believe otherwise? No, I do not think so.
I am not privy to the office’s internal affairs, nor will I accept as evidence the testimony of “anonymous” deputies. Men and women who “state the truth,” but fail to stand beside it lack credibility. I would even argue that these individuals may not deserve a position in law enforcement. For in reality, if deputies lack the courage to speak truth, fearing the loss of their careers, how could those same deputies find the courage to risk their lives to fulfill a sworn duty? Could they take the witness stand at the risk of their lives and condemn a criminal to prison? Maybe, instead of a new sheriff, we may need to replace a few of the unqualified deputies.
However, to the qualified deputies: Thank you for your selfless and courageous service as the guardians of our families, homes, and businesses.
Curtis Bartel
West Valley