4/17/14

Open letter to the town of Arnaudville:

I want to thank all who supported me through their votes and also through their words before the election and since the election.  For those who did not support my run, I offer a commitment to serve you, protect you and respect you as I will all citizens of Arnaudville – without prejudice or bias.  My door is open, and I invite anyone with concerns, ideas, or suggestions to come and express them to me.

 

In that vein, my detractors have engaged in name-calling, mockery and jeering.

4/6/14

It was a close race.  Now comes the real work.  Promises made and promises to keep.  Leadership that will reshape our police department, restore trust and pride for our officers and citizens, and will bring an effective working relationship with the Town Council and the Mayor's Office.

We celebrated quietly at home surrounded by family and close friends who believe in my abilities, trusted that I could win, and gave me the lift each and every day that I needed to cross the finish line.

4/5/14

Well, today will determine where I am tomorrow.  This journey has given me more friends, more memories, and more love for my community.  I have had the honor and the pleasure of reconnecting with my past, and my parents' past.  In that respect, I have felt that they were with me.  I know that they would be proud of me, my approach to this endeavor, and my vision that would bring honor and pride to the town of Arnaudville and its citizens.

At times, the odds seemed against me, but I persevered.

4/3/14

As we approach Election Day, I have to now put it in the hands of the voters and God.  I was reminded today that if it is meant to be, God will allow it to happen.  So, today’s blog is not about elections, campaigns or politics. 

 

Today I have turned over my blog to Ginger, as we honor and recognize this month as Autism Awareness Month.  In New Orleans, she was the Executive Director of a program for the deaf and children with communicative disorders.  Her connection to children with Autism, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) runs deep.

3/31/14

Had a wonderful weekend, ending in a BBQ with family and friends.  I have continued to visit and talk with the town people and had meetings with supporters.  The encouragement has helped me sleep.  For a couple of nights, this was a problem.  

As I contemplate the possibility of a win, I have sketched out in my mind what priorities I will focus on.  I believe in my gut that we have some good officers -- good officers can become better with continuous training.  With any Chief, training should be routine.

3/28/14

Today I had some time to do some visiting, but mostly had appointments to go to for my brother, Randy.  I decided not to order any more signs, so will rely on the impact of my personal meetings with the citizens.  I figure that by now, most folks who will be voting know who they will support.  If it's me, I am like a bull waiting for the gates to open.  Week one will be setting the stage and beginning the transition from a broken department to a standard bearer for small town police departments.

3'26/14

I call it the Territorial Waters Plan, and it extends our interaction and response beyond our city limits.  St. Landry Parish is a big area.  St. Martin Parish stretches out to Arnaudville, with not much in between.  Technically, the Arnaudville Police Department is charged with patrolling and responding to incidents that occur within the city limits of Arnaudville.  And this seems to be the current operating procedure.

The Territorial Waters Plan would/could extend the response area -- not the "patrol" area -- to cover calls within the 70512 zip code, but is contingent on the establishment of a strong working and relationship with St.

3/26/14

I have begun my second round, knocking on doors that were closed the first time around, and still having great feedback, input, and support.  Having never run for an elected position before, all is new, and all is unpredictable.  We went into this venture on our own, no financial supporters, and with no big pool of volunteers.  Running on a shoestring, tapping into the marketing and design talents of Ginger, the vision and message from me, and some physical assistance of my son, we use our own talents and skills, and combine that with prayer and guidance from God.

3/23/14

Got some catching up to do.  Friday night, the family went to Little Big Cup, then to NuNu's for some socializing and entertainment, then met with a friend before finally getting home, who reminded me that signs don't vote.  

Everywhere I go, I'm getting great encouragement and support.  Some of that is first hand, some second hand.  I try not to get overly confident, but if I want to begin implementing some of my 10-point plan on day one, I have to start preparing.

3/19/14

My big signs came in today, and the first one is up, thanks to Ginger and James.  I had to go to NO to meet the Realtor to show our house tomorrow.

Last night I attended the Arnaudville Town Council meeting.  As usual, it was informative and interesting.  As in most towns, there is often an adversarial relationship between some of the folks and their elected officials.  Then, there are the dynamics between the aldermen, the Mayor, and the town employees.  Then, you gotta make room for the friction between and among the audience members themselves.

3/18/14

A beautiful, clear day.  Perfect for taking a driving test!  My 16-year old son passed with a perfect score.  A milestone in his life, and now to get a part-time job! 

It was a great day for meeting Arnaudville citizens.  I am truly impressed with so many thoughtful people and how astute they seem to be about what they want to see in a Chief of Police.  I have to conclude from the comments, questions, and suggestions that they are yearning for leadership and experience, fairness and consistency.

3/17/14

Luck of the Irish, to you!  Today, I continued my walks, not anticipating much because of the cold weather.  Global warming?  Forget about it!  But, many folks took pity on me, as I stood at their door, with icicles hanging from my nose -- result:  they asked me to come in out of the cold to warm up.  Such hospitable folks we have living here in this great community!  If any of you read my blog, I thank you for your generosity!

I need to back up here, and make reference to the 7-Mile Yard Sale on Saturday.

3/12/14

In between celebrating with family my son's 16th birthday and campaigning, I had some very interesting and encouraging conversations today, and am feeling good.  If I should be fortunate enough to win this election, I will not get comfortably because I realize that there will be another one right around the corner.  But, I will be ready on day one, because I am preparing now, getting ducks in a row.  

While on a personal level, I had some very good news, I was disappointed about what was going on with someone I know in the law enforcement arena - a good man, put in an awkward position by his superior.

3/9/14

I spent about 3 hours visiting with the Arnaudville citizens today.  With daylight savings time, I had an extra hour of daylight.  But, at dusk, Ginger texted me, "Streetlights are coming on.  It's time to come home!"  So reminiscent of our house rules when I was a kid, and the rules we had for our kids.  Guess that rule is multi-generational -- at least for as long as the world has street lights!

Had a couple of questions or concerns from folks.  I was asked if it was legal for a cop to come into your house and search without a warrant.