By Dennis L. Stout
December 2, 2009

There is a real opportunity now for the County of San Bernardino  to get a fresh start.

In some cases maybe new faces are in order.  In many other cases, it is just a matter of asking people to move in a new direction.  The County has a number of outstanding people on it’s roster.  I hope that with a change in the County Administrative Officer (CAO) position a new leader can reshape the management team.  There are certainly some people who are not suited for a move in a new direction.

They should seek employment elsewhere.

There are many others who are just as frustrated with what has been occurring here as the rest of us.  They are waiting for new leadership.

The Board of Supervisors need a CAO who is truly a visionary.  Someone who everyone believes in and who they will  follow.  The new CAO should then look for people who have outstanding credentials in their area of expertise and also have outstanding leadership skills.  The County suffers from too many managers who were picked primarily for their loyalty.  While loyalty is important it is certainly not the most important thing that you want in a leader.  I am more optimistic now then I have been in some time.  We have been given a new chance.  Let’s see what we can make of it.

In addition to the new CAO, there are a number of elected positions that will be changing.  I think there are more appointed Officials in elected offices then at anytime in the past.  Some of those may seek election and some may not.  Some of the electeds may not seek reelection or they may lose re-election.  The next few years may result in an entirely different leadership team.  Some of the current leaders will of course remain but the chemistry of the county can still change.

The County does not need anymore scandals.  If someone damages the County by their amoral behavior,  then they will have to be removed.  This type of chance for a new start does not come along everyday.