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Lott: I pledge to work with city, residents
August 23, 2010
Recently, an editorial in The State talked about how important the public hearings are in Columbia City Council's decision concerning the Police Department.I could not agree more. The citizens of the city of Columbia should fully understand why and what City Council is considering with a possible agreement with me as sheriff. The proposal is a change in how law enforcement would be managed. Whenever there is any change, there always will be questions because it is something different. At this point, the questions and opinions need to be directed to City Council, because the decision rests entirely on City Council.
I will not attend the public meetings because I do not want to give any appearance that I am trying to sell the idea. I do not want the focus to be on me at the meetings. The focus has to be with City Council and its decision on the new concept.
I don't want citizens to think that my absence in any way means I do not support the concept. City Council asked me to consider helping with the Police Department, and I have agreed if that is what it wants.
For the past 14 years I have enjoyed a great working relationship with the county administrator and Richland County Council. This has proven to be very beneficial and effective in creating goals, ideas and visions for law enforcement in the county.
I understand and respect Columbia's form of government. I am confident that if City Council does go forward with the proposal I will be able to work effectively with the city manager and City Council. Our goals for good law enforcement are all the same.
I want to encourage all residents to let their voices be heard, regardless of their support or non-support. We live in a free, democratic country, and for our system to work, citizens must be engaged in the process.
My recent trip to Iraq really made me understand how important our freedom is and the fact that we should not take it for granted.
Please get involved with your elected officials on this issue.
I pledge to work with Columbia city government, the Police Department and city residents as your sheriff, whatever decision is made.
Leon Lott
Richland County Sheriff
Columbia
Op Ed, Originally published in The State.