Political Gumbo: Thoughts on the Chief

I had a chance to meet incoming Police Chief Eugene Harris last week.

Seems like a personable guy who is up to the challenge of leading Pasadena’s police department.

He even mentioned Mannix when addressing the press.

My man.

He also seems like a guy not to shy away from things. At Monday’s City Council meeting after Mayor Victor Gordo explained that Pasadena has big city politics and issues, Harris replied “Challenge accepted.”

This was a big challenge for City Manager Miguel Márquez. Think about it, this was on his plate from day one.

And of course, he knew everybody have something to say after he made his decision.

Good move by the CM.

On an aside, respect to Márquez for recognizing the job Jason Clawson has done.

Although he was not here at the time she was Interim Police Chief, my respect also goes out to Cheryl Moody for her time as Interim Chief.

Back to Chief Harris, there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to the Pasadena Way, and I am here to offer Harris the benefit of my time covering City government and the police department for the better part of 20 years.

First and foremost, transparency, transparency, transparency. At some point, there will be hard questions regarding an incident. Of course there will be some information that cannot be released due to the nature of personnel and investigations. Find that info you can release and do so. You of course know, you will always have critics. That comes with the job. Also, an aside. Don’t take it personally if you end up in Political Gumbo.
Embrace this community and its stakeholders. The City always needs leadership. The best police chiefs have done well not just knowing the City Councilmembers, the bigwigs City Hall and the reporters. Walk District 1 with Councilmember Hampton and talk to the people. I say Hampton, because Tyron is always walking. Do the same with the other Councilmembers, or attend their town halls. Knowing the citizens and their concerns only serves you. Seek out the elders, Joe Brown, Del Yarbrough, Phlunte Riddle — who I am sure you already know. Listen to them.
Finally, you were chosen for a reason. Lead and stand on conviction.

Next point, I have been saying since Muir took an ass whooping in the Turkey Tussle that the Mustangs would rise again.

Well, the Mustangs won CIF this weekend.