We need to make better choices in the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. Losing cops is unacceptable. Until 2009, Sacramento County has never had to lay off a sworn officer nor have we had to demote due to budgetary constraints in the Sheriff's Departments 161 year history. We lived within our means and made cuts in other areas such as miscellaneous spending. The current Administration does not live within its means and chooses to eliminate positions impacting the quality of life for Sacramento's citizens we serve and protect as well as impacting the livelihood of these sworn officers.

I want to improve the morale in the Sheriff's Department by creating a culture that values the input of our officers and employees. I will be a strong fiscal manager who will work with the local community and businesses, while insisting upon making the right budget choices during these tough economic times and avoiding the mistakes of the past. As one example, the current Administration eliminated the Sheriff's Department grant writing unit, which generated outside funding streams for the department. As a result, our application for a federal policing grant was denied because the application was filled out incorrectly.

Here are some of the tasks I will complete in my first 100 days in office:

Revenue-Generating & Cost-Saving Opportunities:

1. Review non-mandated and un-funded programs that could have been cut.
2. Re-establish a grant writing unit.
3. Streamline the service deliver model, so we can reorganize and consolidate various service areas under few managers.
4. Review budget items that can be cut, before laying off deputies.
5. Partner with Community Leaders and Elected Officials.
6. Institute new clear and concise business policies and ensure transparency.
7. Metro approach and other regional planning opportunities.
8. Research special event fees utilized by other communities, the state and the federal government to avoid additional burdens on local residents when special events are planned, and no new taxes.

New Direction & Communication:

1. Focus on the Sheriff's Department's core values: safety, community service, 911 response times and customer service.
2. Improve communication with management, sworn officers and non-sworn and include them in the decision making process and brainstorming sessions to develop the best solutions.
3. Be present by communicating throughout the ranks so that everyone is receiving the same message. I will regularly visit job sites and meet with employees personally.
4. Streamline the flow of communication to ensure accuracy in the direction and decisions being delivered.
5. Build back relationships with business owners, community leaders and other elected officials.
6. Establish regular town hall meetings and engage deputies in community activities.
7. I will support local programs that keep our youth off the streets, including local performing and visual arts programs and athletic programs.
8. Establish volunteer Community Advisory Councils in the areas of Antelope, Arden-Arcade, Delta, Fair Oaks-Orangevale, and South Sacramento-Southgate.

In the end, my priority is the safety and security of our community and I will fight with passion to ensure our citizens and businesses are safe. I was there for you then cracking down on gangs and drug dealers; and I will be there for you now continuing to protect and serve!

- Jim Cooper