Gloria Molina: So long, Sheriff Baca

Re “Sheriff’s race thrown open,” Jan. 8

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca’s shocking retirement announcement saddened me. While I have criticized his leadership, clearly from his tone, it was difficult for him to leave in this manner. I could feel his regret and personal passion as he spoke. He served the county for more than 50 years, and I’d like to thank him and wish him well.

What also saddens me is the condition in which he left the Sheriff’s Department. It is abundantly clear that his successor must dramatically transform the department to win back the trust of the people. The investigation by the Department of Justice, the findings of the Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence and ongoing lawsuits prove there are serious management issues. I know Baca had the capability to confront these issues and carry out reforms. Unfortunately, he dismissed the severity of the problems and trusted too much in his top managers to fix them.

We need a sheriff who is a commanding leader, someone talented who inspires trust and performs the job with dignity. Voters must demand a detailed plan of action from all candidates. Baca’s retirement means we’ll have a truly competitive race. Don’t squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Gloria Molina

Los Angeles

The writer is the Los Angeles County supervisor representing the 1st District. The views expressed here are her own.

It’s time to end the notion of a directly elected law enforcement officer. Voters know little about the responsibilities of a sheriff, and this political fiefdom in L.A. County needs to be replaced using a processin which the Board of Supervisors vets and chooses a sheriff much in the same way the city of Los Angeles vets and selects its police chief.

With just two sheriffs in the last 30-plus years, the direct election of this official is a political farce controlled by a small group of insiders that fails to serve the residents of L.A. County.

Nicholas J. Antonicello

Venice Beach

Baca did a great job for Los Angeles County. He was a no-nonsense sheriff during a time when we needed just such a leader.

He was controversial at times, loved many times and even hated sometimes. When you do your job in law enforcement correctly, such opinions go with the territory. He did not view his position as a popularity contest. He simply did what he felt was right for L.A. County.

Thank you for your service, Sheriff Baca, and for a job well done.

George Vreeland Hill

Beverly Hills

The 2010 vote was not Baca’s only election without opposition. In 1998, the year of Baca’s first victory at the polls, I watched and listened to the candidates and, on election day, chose to vote for the recently deceased Sherman Block.

This year, I hope that voters will have choices among candidates worthy of the office and who are — yes — alive.

Katharine Paull

Kagel Canyon

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