Politics

Readers write on 2014 campaign

By Bill Moss, Published: October 15, 2014

This is an ongoing forum for letters about the 2014 election. Check back for updates and more letters.

Comments as always are Facebook based. The Lightning does not have space to run letters of more than 200 words in the print edition. Send letters to news@hendersonvillelightning.com.

To the Lightning:
Throughout my career as a law enforcement officer I have seen and experienced diversity, professionalism, and change. I have seen the worst and the best examples of officers and leaders. I have been involved in law enforcement for twenty years. I hold an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, an Advanced Detention Officer Certification, a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, and a M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Through the years I have travelled, trained with, and conducted training for law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies to include municipalities, counties, state, federal, and multiple countries. I have trained officers from Alaska to Florida, Great Britain, and Eastern Europe. I have specialized in several areas to include explosives and hazardous materials, anti-terrorism, domestic violence, in-service training, investigations, field training, instructor training, firearms, detention, civil process, school security post Columbine, officer safety, officer survival, emotional intelligence, staffing assessments, and promotional assessments. I have investigated thousands of cases and testified in both state and federal courts as an expert witness in multiple areas.
As a fellow citizen of Henderson County and parent, I am proud to call Henderson County home and Charles S. McDonald Sheriff of Henderson County! Sheriff Charles McDonald has set goals for the Henderson County Sheriffs Office that have made our county a better place to live, work, and play. Sheriff Charles McDonald has been innovative by implementing processes to ensure accountability that are far superior to others in daily operations, assessments for promotional processes, and community involvement. Sheriff Charles McDonald is dedicated to providing training of the utmost quality for each of his officers in their assigned duties.
As an expert in a variety of areas desired for the assessment process, I was asked to serve on an assessment board for promotions within the Henderson County Sheriffs Office. I observed the assessment process which was conducted in conjunction with an exceptionally qualified consultant who developed a professional, thorough, impartial, and fair promotional assessment process. The assessment process developed was one of the best in which I have had an opportunity to observe and participate. It provided for a practical, realistic, and valid assessment process based on the Henderson County Sheriffs Office and the needs of Henderson County. The assessment process placed value on both experience and education, providing for an equal assessment of all candidates. Sheriff McDonald was and is very committed to serving the citizens of Henderson County through selecting the most qualified candidate through the assessment process.
Sheriff McDonald's commitment to the assessment process and accountability makes the Sheriffs Office a better Office and Henderson County a better place to live. Sheriff McDonald's commitment to professionalism is conveyed not only by his words and expectations, but through his actions. Many have heard of the North Carolina "at will" employment with Sheriff's Offices, having worked for five different Sheriffs and having worked with Sheriffs throughout the State of North Carolina and nationally, I commend Sheriff McDonald for committing to professional standards that have been validated, accepted, and proven throughout the country; and for implementing the assessment process, which added accountability and dedication to the Office. Sheriff McDonald did not have to implement this process nor did he have to dedicate his full support to this process, yet Sheriff McDonald being innovative and a true leader whole heartedly undertook this challenge with vigor and true commitment.

Sheriff McDonald's commitment to professional standards and expectations have made Henderson County Sheriffs Office a professional organization dedicated to accountability and service to the citizens of our county. Throughout law enforcement, change is met with resistance because people become comfortable with "the way it has always been done." Sheriff McDonald has challenged "the way it has always been done" mentality and nay sayers have disagreed, many expressing half-truths and information that does not represent the true process in place. In order to affect organizational change individuals who are leaders throughout the organization must be committed to the expectations and standards set for leaders within the agency and exemplify those expectations through their own leadership. Change produces uncertainty, but Sheriff Charles McDonald has remained steadfast in his commitment to professionalism and accountability. Sheriff McDonald has communicated expectations and held all staff accountable. Sheriff McDonald has lead through example by doing the right thing when no one is looking. The right thing for the people of Henderson County.
I encourage all citizens of Henderson County to vote for the most qualified, professional, and committed candidate for the Office of Sheriff in our county, Sheriff Charles S. McDonald. A vote for Sheriff McDonald is a vote for professionalism, commitment, values, service, and accountability!
Chris Anderson
Deputy Director
WNC Justice Academy