Leadership and Command Staff
As sheriff, I will be an advocate, not an adversary, of the people under my command. Deputies who work hard and do a good job should be commended and rewarded, even if they happen to disagree with policies of the leadership. Good leaders learn from people who hold different viewpoints, and surround themselves with people who will challenge them to excellence and accountability, not just the status quo. I understand that this agency is bigger than any one man and his limited experiences- there are thousands of years of collective law enforcement, corrections, and court services experience in the agency just waiting to be “tapped” for new ideas to serve the community more effectively.
During my time in the U.S. Air Force, I became a firm believer in the idea that “A happy troop is a productive troop.” I will require supervisors to take care of the men and women under their command. I will work hard to eliminate the “me first” attitude at all levels. I will resist those who will “step all over others” to get to the top. I have seen first hand these types of attitudes destroy morale in other organizations, and I will fight against them as sheriff. The idea that people are the most important asset the agency has is not just a cliché to me- I truly believe it, and my style of leadership will reflect it by treating people right. Those who consistently demonstrate service before self will be recognized and rewarded. I will lobby for pay raises to ensure the agency is competitive in attracting qualified new recruits and “laterals” from other agencies. Although many agencies in the area receive better pay and benefits, the incumbent sheriff has done little to make the agency attractive in this regard. In 2005, deputies received a meager 3% cost-of-living increase, while the sheriff actively pursued (and received) a $25,000 pay raise for himself, although he was already the fifth highest paid sheriff in the State of Maryland. I believe a good leader takes care of his people first, not himself. Clearly, this is not the case in the current administration.
I will carefully review the upper level management structure to ensure that each position is providing a benefit to the citizens and the agency. When appointing command staff and upper level management, I will select individuals who are fair, ethical, professional, and respected by those under their command. I am not interested in surrounding myself with “yes men,” I am interested in building a command staff who understands the need to earn back the trust of the community and improve the morale of the men and women in the agency. I will appoint strong leaders who genuinely want to improve the agency, not simply preserve the status quo.
Committee to Elect Dave Tritt · Authority Brian K. Powell, Treasurer.