Is Jack back? Sheriff candidate Rivero wants to bring back undersheriff position
LAKE COUNTY — If elected Sheriff, Francisco Rivero would like to bring back the position of undersheriff and asked Jack Baxter to fill those shoes.
“Let me put it this way, if I wasn”t voting for myself in this election, I would have voted for Baxter,” Rivero said.
Rivero said Baxter is a “really decent, reasonable man, but not a yes man,” who has a lot of experience.
The position of undersheriff has not existed in Lake County since 1993. That last undersheriff served until 1992.
Sheriff Rodney K. Mitchell said “If money were no object, I would have reinstated the position a long time ago. This is a luxury we cannot afford right now. It would cost at least two sheriff”s deputy positions.”
Mitchell said he is surprised and disappointed that a government position would be offered to Baxter when it doesn”t exist and hasn”t existed for 18 years.
In order to re-create the position, there would likely be reclassifications of current existing positions. In other words, it would require action of staffing reorganization within the department.
Rivero said the funding of the proposed undersheriff position can be accomplished by using the Sheriff”s rural and small counties fund, budget item 2206 (fund 194). For fiscal year 2010-2011 the fund contains $2,174,647 of unallocated money. The allocation states, “To be determined.” This is a permanent funding source of $500,000 per- year derived from taxes imposed on California vehicle registration fees.
Supervisor Anthony Farrington said, “I”m open to looking at this as an individual board member. It would require three board members to approve it.”
Farrington said if Rivero were elected, it would be necessary to weigh the pros and cons involved with funding the undersheriff position.
Lake County Administrator Kelly Cox said, “I believe it would be feasible (to reinstate the position of undersheriff), with the consent of the Board of Supervisors. “We would want to make sure it would be done in a way that would not have any increase in cost to the general fund.”
Jack Baxter sent the following statement via e-mail to the Record-Bee on Wednesday night:
“I have been repeatedly asked which candidate I would endorse for the November Sheriff”s run off election. I”ve answered by saying I want people to study both candidates and hear what they have to say then make up their own minds.
“As of this moment I have my own personal opinion as to how this race will play out and who will be elected as our next sheriff. I base this on what people within our community have shared and the fact that a clear statement was made by the voters during the primary election.
“I have since met with both candidates at their request and spoken at length. I”ve shared what the community has expressed as their concerns with candidates and the sheriff”s office in general.
“I have given both the same advice and council as to what is needed in this final phase of the campaign. My feeling is that both candidates must stop bickering and attacking each other and stick to the issues of change and progressive professional law enforcement. Both must outline their plans and ideas and how they hope to accomplish their goals. Any hint of dirty politics, misquoting or spin must be eliminated.
“I have invited both to read our Web site at www.baxterforsheriff.com and consider the plans and methods for change then feel free to use them. These ideas are based on good leadership and sound management and will work in any law enforcement organization.
“I told both it was time to show and tell. Our community is watching and very interested. Both have some major fence mending to do and a lot of serious work ahead.
“After working with both candidates I have come to the determination that only one is willing to entertain change and actually listen to new ideas. The other remains stuck on rationalization and trying to reinvent his image, which thus far has not worked.
“Since then candidate Rivero has openly challenged the incumbent Sheriff to participate in public discussions on the issues. I am told the incumbent has indicated he is not interested at this time and nothing has been done. I feel our community deserves the opportunity to listen to both and to evaluate their ideas and new campaigns.
“The community is tired of personal attacks and arrogant attitudes. We are tired of accusations from both sides being made without evidence being presented. I realize some of this is typical politics and spin but now its time to get down to business and start all over.
“I believe our Sheriff”s Office needs a new face that is willing to smile, a new attitude of community service and a new philosophy of change. In short it lacks the professionalism the community expects and demands. This new philosophy will be the responsibility of one of the two candidates, which makes it critical for the voters to look closely at both and get beyond the political rhetoric to determine who we will trust with this very important position for the next four years.
“I would like to see our Deputies and their families treated properly and with the respect and honor they deserve. They deserve much more from the community and from their leaders. The goal of making this organization better and more professional is definitely one that can be achieved and we have capable people within the organization who can make this happen.
“The rumor that candidate Rivero has approached me and asked me if I would be interested in serving as his undersheriff if elected is true. He has made me no promises and everything I have told him I have told the incumbent, showing no favoritism.
“The fact is that the position of undersheriff does not currently exist in this county. It was eliminated many years ago and the current Sheriff has stated he does not need it. During the primary campaign both Rivero and myself stated we would create such a position subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors. I felt it is a critical position between the rank and file and the sheriff and is an integral part in the reorganization of a clear chain of command.
“I would only be willing to accept such an appointment for the same reasons that prompted me to run for office in the first place. I would only be willing to do so for the community and the employees of that office and not for any one elected official. I would expect anyone in that position to follow the rules and be fair and reasonable with everyone. In short I would expect to do exactly as I pledged to do during my own campaign and I would not be anyone”s lackey or yes man. I have always been one to speak my mind and to back up my position with facts while at the same time I am well aware the importance of loyalty to one”s employer, the community and your subordinates.
“I have tried to keep an open mind and give each candidate a fair opportunity to demonstrate who will be the best person for the job. I have committed myself to no one candidate and I have not agreed to accept any position in public service at this time. The ball is in their court.”
Mandy Feder can be reached at 263-5636 ext. 32 or mandyfeder@yahoo.com.
