Time Is Running Out

As we enter election time it is important to reflect what this blog has revealed to us in the past months. There have been numerous questions and concerns that have been asked. Obviously the local news outlets don’t do their jobs. It is too bad the Tribune and its journalists don’t care enough about this community to challenge the candidates all; sheriff, district attorney, county commissioners and clerks, to the slightest bit of interest or scrutiny to allow our citizens to be served by the best possible person. It seems a shame that the Tribune doesn’t understand what should be a sense of responsibility, or maybe they do understand. So what is our alternative when the papers protect their own favorites and ignore their obvious duties? Citizens who are fed up will take matters into the hands in the form of blogs. What have we learned about the 2 ton, ignored elephant in the room?

Sheriff D. Brad Riley does read this blog but does not have interest to answer to the easiest of questions. Of course, no one expected him to grace this site with his presence, but why not the newspaper or his websites? He did feel the need to slightly address concerns about overpopulation in the jail. But what of all the surrounding concerns? Mr. Riley has not been held accountable to his county citizens. Born here, raised here…whatever! Shouldn’t he face the music? Is this the leadership we deserve? There is no leadership at all. Not only will he dodge press conferences designed by him but won’t so much as return a phone call.
That many of his deputies are selfish, ruthless, profane, egotistical, suspicious people that do not deserve to wear badges and guns. Now with that said, most are outstanding men and women who love this community. These are the ones who need our support and new leadership. The most vocal and sometimes profane deputies, voice concerns so extreme that it shows the frustration clear and true. Most want change and need direction. Others want the ones who think differently then them to leave, telling them they are unwanted and unwelcome in their own department. Does this not scream to us, the citizens, of the turmoil in the sheriff’s office? It is an attitude born from the top. Sheriff Riley supporters claim these vulgar employees can not be tamed by the sheriff. If he can not control this own, then how can he lead them.

The time is now to bring about change and new leadership. Sheriff Riley has had an opportunity to make an impression upon all of us; whether good or bad. Have the undecided voters taken their responsibility seriously? Have they done research and met David Graham? He is a man with outstanding credentials and more importantly than that, he is a man who is respected by ALL who know him. He represents true professionalism and leadership. He has run an outstanding campaign. Let us not miss this opportunity to read our compasses correctly. It is time to sail in the right direction.