Guest opinion: Leadership and competence
D. Foster
I am not usually one to offer my opinion publicly, but in light of what I have heard regarding statements “allegedly” made during the Davis County Sheriff campaign, I felt compelled. I am a 30-year military veteran, retiring as a base commander of ~1500 individuals, in the rank of Colonel. I am also finishing my doctoral thesis on Strategic Leadership. I have led men and women, in peacetime and war, small groups and entire organizations, at home and abroad. I have also been led by some of the best and worst examples of leadership over that tenure, which is why I chose leadership for my doctoral degree.
Leadership is not complex, but it is difficult. According to The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzes and Posner, it is the ability to mobilize others to accomplish greatness. This is done by turning values, visions, and opportunities into accomplishments. Leadership requires action, attention, and risk. This brings me to Jon Atkin, candidate for Davis County Sheriff. Jon has seen more, done more, and sacrificed more for his community and nation than most people, let alone his competition. This is undoubtedly a strength, but recently the opposing camp said, “his (Jon’s) military leadership is incomparable to civilian leadership and should be completely discounted.” Uninformed? Hopefully. Disparaging? Hopefully not. Offensive? To everyone who has served, definitely.
None of the potential justifications for these types of statements show the character of someone that should be in a leadership position, anywhere. Jon is closer to the relevant information. He has been living it: the poor morale, the consistent turnover, lack of availability for promotions, the lack of communication or transparency. His competition has been in “executive leadership” …for nine years. He was also, and still is, a major proponent of privatizing medical care in the county jail, at a cost to taxpayers that is double what it was previously, and rising. This is one of many examples of being too busy being an “executive,” for too long, in another organization, and forgetting (or not caring) what the real job is or has evolved into. Agreed, budgets are important, but if “executive leadership” is to be trusted, then efficiency and effectiveness need to be in balance, and in this case, they are clearly not.
Leadership is a skill that can be developed, but it takes effort. Jon has put in the effort – over 1,000 hours’ worth. Jon is focusing on the issues facing our police force and community now while also looking to the future. A benefit of being a citizen-airman is that his military experience contributes to that insight. Jon Atkin knows the current problems; he has a plan on how to correct them, and he has a penchant for action. That is why he is endorsed by 8 sitting mayors. And his opponent? Not one. Davis County needs a Sheriff with values, vision, and propensity for action, not one who can only look to the past and rest on their limited, local laurels.
D. Foster
Col. (Retired) USAF
