I overheard an interesting conversation yesterday. Yes, I realize eavesdropping is an unladylike behavior – as are beer drinking, eating with your fingers, stuffing your purse full of pilfered Sweet-n-Low and using the cocktail waiter’s butt as a napkin. Since I already have those strikes against me, I figured – screw it. I’ve done shot my ladyhoodness all to hell. I may as well hear what’s going on.
The mouth movers were discussing Sheriff Roger Christian. Yeah, this is old talk – but the interesting new source had me inching closer.
And I was forced to feign a coughing fit when I heard this dismissive statement.
“I don’t think we need to worry. Roger’s already “jackassed” himself out of a second term.”
For some reason, the comment brought to mind those public opinion polls: such as, “Which politician would you most like to share a beer with?”
Now, I will admit that I am not a big fan of Roger Christian. My first encounter with him as Sheriff was rather off-putting and unpleasant.
While harvesting information about the lockdown of Hawkins County Schools, I called Christian’s office. After a 35 minute hold time (without so much as peppy music to keep me entertained) the Good Sheriff graced me with a moment of time, during which he dodged my questions, claimed to have no knowledge of the events, didn’t know when school officials were notified of potential threats or when his department got involved. He then suggested I call someone else.
Fact is I’d already spoken with the other agencies, organizations and individuals involved.
Rumors never circulated through the school on that morning. There were no students or staff present when the information was disclosed. The lockdown was not initiated after the boy was spotted on campus at 8:30 AM. In fact, based on the time line, I assert that either the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department or the Rogersville City Police Department had knowledge of the threat the night before and failed to disclose the information in a timely manner. Personally, my money is on Rogersville.
Either way, the sheriff is not a dimwitted man. Based on the content of my questions, he knew where I was headed – and he didn’t want to follow. So he opted to be rude, terse and deceptive. Consequently, I wouldn’t share a beer with him – and I sure ain’t inviting him to any of my parties.
Question is: Does my personal opinion of Roger Christian, or anyone else’s for that matter, influence his ability to be a strong and effective leader?
I say yes, and here is why:
After reviewing news reports dating back to Christian’s first week in office – it would seem department productivity is on an even keel. The budgetary belt has been tightened. In fact, the Great and Powerful Rog has not only brought the budget in unmarred by red ink but also secured new equipment and grant funding for his department. And as far as I know, he hasn’t been dating a porn star, ripping off Wal-Mart, forging documents, using drugs, abusing women nor is he pushing a resolution to bring back firing squads, public hangings or school segregation.
The guy isn’t doing a bad job so far. So, why, then, are officers leaving the department in a mass exodus and supporters defecting at record-breaking speed?
It’s simple. They don’t like him. No matter how competent he is, folks don’t cotton to demanding, stern, aloof and unyielding leadership. Despite their claims to the contrary: they don’t want the all Great and Powerful Rog as a Sheriff. They’d prefer the man behind the curtain: the one who is approachable, courteous, compassionate and fair: the man, who will listen to their troubles, care if they are victims of a crime or maybe even cut them some slack from time to time.
They want a reflection of their good-hearted and down-to-earth selves: and Christian simply does not portray himself as such.
Others say Christian lost their support due to his unfair treatment of Ronnie Lawson, the former chief deputy and 2006 GOP candidate for Sheriff. Immediately after taking office, Christian eliminated his opponent’s position in an effort to free up funding for road officers. This was no surprise, as Christian had been clear about his intentions from the onset of the campaign.
Months later, however, in a far less publicized move – Lawson, a senior detective and long-time officer with the department, was booted back to patrol. Christian was acting well within his rights as an elected sheriff when he made this personnel decision. However, in absence of allegations of misconduct, dereliction of duty or or poor job performance, the move struck a sour note with many voters. Certainly, the Great and Powerful Rog doesn’t owe the public any explanations – but by not offering one, he painted a picture of himself as a pouting political prima donna.
Also affecting public perception of Christian is the fact that he lacks any real finesse in dealing with the media. Unlike the former office holders, Christian comes across as succinct, humorless and uncharismatic. He seems content to dole out facts and claim the credit on behalf of his department – without publicly acknowledging individual efforts.
Perhaps this will improve over time – but as of right now, his failure to recognize the achievements of his department as separate from himself and his inability to create a public persona has helped flush his popularity ratings down the toilet.
The truth is, as much as I hate to say it: Roger Christian has the potential to be an outstanding Sheriff – but he must first understand that, as an elected official, popularity does play a crucial role in his ability to perform his job. As an elected official – Christian’s job is not just about getting the work done – but being able to do it with and for real people: citizens, fellow officers, county officials and members of the media.
If he offends, overpowers, seems uncooperative or aloof – the fallout affects not only his future electability but his effectiveness during the current term. As Mama always said: you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Heeding this age old advice, I’d suggest Christian put on his prettiest smile and make a concerted effort to play well with others. He should pretend to be witty and kind. Maybe buy a joke book or kiss a few babies. Certainly, he should praise the accomplishments of his department frequently and publicly.
Without these efforts to repair his public image, I’d say – in this day and age, when people seem more concerned about whether or not a politician would be a suitable drinking buddy rather than whether or not they are competent, qualified, ethical, able and willing – it’s not only possible that Christian could jackass himself into a 2010 retirement but highly probable.
