Safe streets, safe neighborhoods and safe schools are our mission.

“Let none live in fear” is a result of the Sheriff’s Office accomplishing this mission.

Everything we do is put toward this effort. We have this in mind when we try to hire people or promote our experienced people. I had this in mind when I put my executive staff in place. I am trying to surround myself with the best people in order to get my job done.

I did not come to this job with a political agenda. I am free of any encumbrances or political promises or indebtedness that some folks in politics have to labor under. Thankfully, no man holds sway over my administration. I say that humbly and I am very thankful that I do not have to make policy decisions based on someone’s political whims.

I am grateful to the Cleveland Daily Banner for making this space available to me each week. The newspaper has let me express my opinion and editorialize without censoring or other interference. I have also been able to speak in jest and otherwise be silly. I believe this column is important in my communications to the general public.

That said, there are a lot of facets to keeping the peace. That is why we do all the things we do. I see my job as sheriff as being the steward of peace and safety. The past and present tells us where we are headed in the future. As one money expert said, “Where you spend your money today will decide your financial future.”

As corny and hayseed as it as it may sound to some wannabe sophisticates, I take this stewardship very seriously. Our planning, our hiring, our investment in equipment will significantly impact the keeping of the peace now and in the future.

The most important asset we have is our people. Robots and computers have replaced a lot of workers but they will never replace “boots on the ground,” as they say.

That is why it is so important that we have a program to hire, pay and keep those people who have experience, education and a heart to serve their community. To achieve this, the Merit Plan is the No. 1 priority.

The second priority is the Career Service Plan.

I sometimes feel like the man who wore a suit of camel’s hair and ate a restricted diet: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness.”

Some folks have simply turned a deaf ear to law enforcement needs. They say, “We don’t have the money,” but that has a hollow ring to it as they find money to do other things. Some predictions I have made about the rising crime problem will become reality if we fail to act soon. I find no comfort in saying, “I tried to tell you but you would not listen.”

In the next few weeks, I will share with you the importance to the taxpayer of the Career Service Plan and other pertinent topics of keeping the 1,000-year-old office of the Sheriff intact.

Tune in next week for Part II.

Thanks for reading.