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Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts should have stuck with his first answer |
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Written by Byron Williams
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Thursday, 27 January 2011 |
 Poet Maya Angelou once said, "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."
Too bad officials in Oakland didn't embrace Angelou's sage advice when searching for a replacement for retiring Police Chief Wayne Tucker.
As was previously reported, when the inquiry came to then-Long Beach Police Chief Anthony Batts as to whether he would be interested in applying for the opening in Oakland, his initial response was no.
As Batts said during his first public appearance as Oakland's police chief in 2009, "I was happy in Long Beach."
But Batts' definitive answer to Oakland's closed-end question became more tentative three days later after four Oakland police officers were murdered. After attending the officers' funeral, Batts said he sent a text message to the headhunter who had initially approached him stating: "I want to help."
With less than 50 percent of his three-year contract complete, the emotional tug that brought Batts 364 miles from Long Beach to Oakland no longer exists. San Jose now is the place where Batts wants to ply his services.
Since it was announced that Batts was among the finalists to become the next police chief in San Jose, much of the conversation has centered on whether Batts should stay or leave.
In one sense, such speculation is moot. What else does Batts need to do or say to demonstrate he doesn't want to be here?
That is the sobering place where Oakland now finds itself; it has a police chief who does not want to be here.
If the deadliest day in law enforcement in the city's history can no longer hold Batts' attention, what would it require for him to be revitalized for the remainder of his contract assuming he does not become San Jose's next police chief?
Despite the reasons for Batts' initial interest in the Oakland job, he has no compelling moral reason to stay. Maybe he possesses the internal itch of ambition that requires constant scratching.
There is the possibility, though it hardly needs to be mentioned, that being police chief of San Jose is a better job than police chief in Oakland.
Doesn't Batts' desire to leave also reflect on the mayoral leadership and the City Council?
I'm certain Mayor Jean Quan's loyal supporters might take umbrage with the suggestion, but it's a fair question, representing the 800-pound gorilla that sits in the center of City Hall?
After the mayoral election in November, was there ever an unequivocal statement of support made to Batts? If not, given the current upheaval in the Oakland Police Department, why would one not look elsewhere?
Through his actions, Batts ironically is casting a vote of no confidence in the city's political leadership. Isn't that reminiscent of the actions taken by the City Council toward Batts' predecessor?
In recent years, Oakland has had almost as many police chiefs as its professional football team has had head coaches -- some might opine with similar results.
If we don't discuss the leadership at this critical juncture, are we not increasing the possibility of hiring another short-term solution to a long-term problem?
In the midst of Batts' potential departure, the bark of goodwill, symbolized in the hope of new city leadership, has already started to peel away.
Oakland is at an impasse that has little to do with any future decisions made by San Jose. In fact, a worst-case scenario for Oakland would be for Batts to not get the position in San Jose and remain as Oakland's top cop.
How effective could Batts be in an environment where everyone knows he wants out?
Oakland's next police chief should be someone who possesses a commitment to the city that transcends an individual's resume. Oakland might be viewed as a wonderful steppingstone on the way to bigger ambitions, but that might not serve the best interest of the city.
None of this is an exact science. An individual who professes a long-term commitment to Oakland might also prove to be the bastion of mediocrity.
I do wish to offer one piece of advice. When Oakland's headhunter calls around to ascertain who's interested in being the next police chief, regardless when that occurs, if the initial response is no, please remember Maya Angelou.
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