Do moral mandates transmit administrations?

I have touched on the possibility of this article in the past, but it was in the context of the police department getting rid of the “bad apples” from the Bridges administration. It should be noted that these “bad apples” were subsequently hired by the prior Bostic administration. Well, it seems now we are having the uncomfortable duty of dealing with those officers attributable only to this administration.

If you listen to the whispers through the cornstalks, you will know there is obviously something happening that has not been reported in the front page of our local paper – therefore, it will probably be written off as small town rumor.

If this, in fact, is only rumor, you might want to do some research on your own and follow the clues left by the Board of Works. If things continue to go where they are headed, we might get to observe a Board of Works personnel hearing that might turn into a real lawsuit.

During a recent, rainy fall weekend, I decided to reminisce on a story that focused on Chief Cameron’s opinion that the police department under former Chief Fudge “lacked professionalism.” While searching through the online paper, I happened upon an article that has clearly established the dictum for acceptable behavior and morals expectations for this community and its departments. That article is, “Former chief’s voice concerns”, dated October 29, 2007. In this review, I will only speak to those items articulated by Ron Cameron, since after the article Bob Miller and his staunch views disappeared like a fart in the wind. Cameron’s need for position and power have lead him back to the glory days of police chief and the position of having to be measured by the yard stick he created.

Below are some of Mr. Cameron’s quotes and inferences when referring to the Rushville Police Department:

“If the police department is not good, then that’s bad for the community.”

“Evidently, the current mayor does not see that there’s a problem.”

He added that his concerns stem from a lack of professionalism demonstrated by, “not all, but a few members of the department.”

“It’s a shame that the RPD is coming under fire and it’s a sad day when many citizens have lost faith, trust and respect for the department”

“This hasn’t happened overnight, it’s been steadily going downhill for the past seven years.”

Cameron said in order to repair the damage done and to restore respect and faith in the RPD, Chief Tony Fudge and Mayor Bob Bridges must first recognize and admit there is a problem.

“The chief must be diligent un making sure officers conduct themselves properly.”

“A police chief must stand behind, beside and sometimes in front of his men. He must back them to the hilt when they are right, but he must be the first to call a foul when one occurs.”

“It’s not all members of the department creating these problems. There are good officers who want to serve and protect, but there are also those who are making it nearly impossible to do their jobs.”

Don’t you find that it is interesting that Chief Cameron had such staunch views on how the department should be run, until in fact, he was put into charge of the department?

At a later date, I might look into the side of the story conveyed by the fart in the wind because it is interesting in its own right.

Questions

1. Is there comfort in knowing those who abuse the system, versus shipping in people we don’t to abuse the system?

2. Does Cameron prove he was more qualified then Bridges and Fudge because the same thing that he complained about over 7 years was able to happen under his tenure of two years?

3. Will Cameron hold himself to the same level of accountability that he demanded of Bridges and Fudge?

4. When the deputy mayor takes office will he hold on to Cameron?

5. When Chief Cameron says “protect” was he referring to birth control?

6. So is this a complaint or rumor?

7. Can we address whether the Cameron Moral Mandate is transferable to other City Departments?

Are things really any different now that Cameron stole from Fudge the third most important role of his life?
 

Comments

[Scannerland]

The officers that were good before are the ones that are good now (Tucker, Ford, Reynolds, and Meek) The rest of the department are rejects that have either been fired or asked to quit other departments. Hang in there guys, Cameron will be gone soon and you can have your chance to fix what he has broken!

[just wondering]

Are you referring to an officer that has "disappeared" from the force in the last month?

[Only 1 bad apple? I don't think so...]

Cameron only fired one officer that existed prior to him. The others all resigned under their own personal decisions and reasons, not because Ron made them.

[John]

Does the CEO ofthe hospital hold himself to these moral standards as well, or does he just sleep with anyone he wants who works for him?

[Over it]

Actually he has not fired any of the officers that existed prior to him. All three of the officer resigned. They resigned because Ron made it clear to them that he would fire them if they didn't resign. Now, lets look at Rons hiring history. The first officer he hired was given then "resign or be fired" talk by another city. The 2nd officer from Greensburg, was fired because of his immoral conduct. A police officer from New Castle was hired, then got to know Ron and decided NOT to take the job. Another one of his dept. saving hired failed a psychological exam not once, but twice and was deemed unfit to be a police officer by the PERF doctors. Now the latest drama circles around one of Rons better hires. Word on the street has informed me that this officer recieved a complaint from one of Ron and Mervs drinking buddys from the Eagles. A complaint from one of their alcoholic buddies is a sure fire way to get your head put on the chopping block!

Rons idea of fixing the department was to hire strangers from out of town. He is hiring men we don't know and don't trust. Ron, your shady ways may have worked in the '80s but this crap isn't going to fly now. Pack up, head south on State Road 3, and stay there.