As this campaign develops a more specific “platform” will emerge. Strategically timed postings will outline details of what an administration led by Kerry Crawford will look like. Generally, you can be assured that it will include the following:
- Prioritizing the resources of the Sheriff’s Office to ensure the most efficient use of manpower and finances.
- Promoting a positive, motivated environment.
For the past several years financial resources have been very limited due to the depressed economy. It is easy for some to point fingers affixing blame, but the fact remains that when the economy crashed it crashed for all of us. In response to the taxpayers limitations the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Senior Staff’s pledge was to be willing to sacrifice everything we could except employee positions. This meant keeping cars longer, computers longer, no salary increases, and no increases in manpower.
It is not reasonable to ask for an instant recovery from this episode. That’s why I will propose a long term, priority based recovery plan. Initially this plan will include prioritizing and reallocating the existing resources (financial and manpower) to make sure we are adequately providing all essential services to our citizens. Re-establishing a rotating replacement schedule for equipment will also be a part of this plan.
It is critically important to provide a motivated work environment to retain long term employees and attract the best and the brightest new employees to ensure a sustainable future of the highest level of professional service and demeanor.
In order to be an effective leader it is essential to establish positive relationships and partnerships within the community and with other government entities. In my experience adversarial relationships lead to mistrust and negativity. My style is that of a consensus builder. I fully recognize the need for effective communication whether it is for budgeting or developing positive, trusting community relationships. It is essential to have professional, productive dialogue that establishes and reflects a positive image for our community.
For many years I applied a “trends, problems and solutions” management style. The phrase projects a concise, yet focused direction for an organization. I believe in results oriented goals, and performance based management. Realistic strategic planning is important for an organization that serves a population of well over 300,000 people with a multi-million dollar budget. Proper planning needs to include vision and innovation to meet the needs of the populace.
Lastly, I was raised to believe that character and reputation are paramount. It has been said that your reputation is how others think of you. I have often stated your character is who you are in the dark…when no one is there to see you…to hear you…to know who you really are when you see yourself in the mirror. The only promise I have ever made is that I would do the best I could. I can uphold that promise. My pledge is that as your Sheriff, my reputation and character will continue to be a driving force in providing integrity, service and professionalism to the Office of Sheriff.
Thank you for reading,
Kerry