I recently had the opportunity to speak to Red Bank Commissioner and Vice Mayor Floy Pierce regarding her decision to vote in opposition to placing tablet computers in Red Bank police squad cars. At the beginning of the conversation, I told her I would be writing an article/opinion letter about the topic. She told me that “on the record” she had no comment. We did have a conversation that lasted about an hour, but that conversation was “off the record” so I am obligated to not discuss it.
Prior to speaking with Mrs. Pierce, I spoke with both Chief Tim Christol and Mayor John Roberts about tablets as well. Both gentlemen indicated the need for the technology. They spoke about upgrading the police department for greater efficiency. Having the tablets in squad cars would allow officers immediate access, entering and transmitting of data without waiting for the dispatch at the 911 center to respond to calls. It would allow officers to prepare reports in the field instead of taking the officers off of the street to prepare reports.
Increasing officer safety in the field is also a benefit. There are literally hundreds of thousands of police cars in this country that have this sort of technology. This is technology that the police department has been requesting for several years. With the “main streaming” of tablet technology, and a federal grant in place to pay for 85 percent plus of the cost, now would seem the opportune time to fulfill this request.
In Mrs. Pierce’s campaign material, she indicates her goals are “to keep taxes down and services up.” Acquiring this technology with the federal grant does that. Why did she, (and Mr. Causer), vote against it? She also indicates she wants to “keep our city safe.” This technology will increase not only the efficiency of the officers, but their safety. Safer and more efficient officers would mean a safer city, so again why would she vote against it? She indicates she wants to “upgrade the police and fire departments, as needed.” With criminals becoming smarter this upgrade in technology is needed. Why did she vote against it?
Now, I like Mrs. Pierce. I think she loves this city and the people who live here. I think she is a fine southern lady, which is something I think is becoming less common in our world. She is a woman of faith and I respect her. But I disagree with her on many of the issues that are facing the city of Red Bank. I question her leadership. I disagree with her on the issue of tablet computers in police cars. I disagree with her on the need for the planning and zoning changes. These are only two of the issues on which we disagree, but they are of paramount importance for our city.
I am also concerned about her encouragement of a good man, Terry Pope, to run for her seat, only to turn around to run against him in the eleventh hour. Why would she do that? Voting for someone who you like or voting for your friend is not responsible voting. I have many friends that are wonderful people, but that would not make effective leaders. You must vote for leadership. That is what our city, state and country needs now more than ever...leadership. This race is about leading our city. It is not a popularity contest. Leaders make decisions based on facts and intelligence, not out of any type of fear.
I said it earlier and I mean it. Terry Pope is a good man. He understands the needs of Red Bank. He has the personal and professional experience to be an excellent commissioner for the city of Red Bank. He has served the city as a member of the Planning Commission, so he knows the city and the citizenry. Terry makes decisions based on the material presented, and he stands by those decisions. He is a man of conviction and he is whom I will be voting for on Nov. 4. I would encourage all of my Red Bank citizens to do the same.
Mike Congdon
Red Bank