The county will be retaining an independent firm to investigate allegations made by Sheriff Christina Corpus, after she said the county’s initial response did not appropriately address concerns she raised about County Executive Mike Callagy. 

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(5) comments

Terence Y

Ah yes, this soap opera continues and ultimately, with San Mateo County being the loser. And now we have the desperation of Corpus blaming sexism (if not now, it would eventually be added to the mix). Let’s hope San Mateo County has liability insurance to pay for Monaghan’s dismissal as I predict that is likely to be one result. Another is that recruiting for the Sheriff’s office will suffer and there may be more resignations of existing staff (assuming Corpus doesn’t fire them). Thanks, SMDJ for continuing to cover this soap opera. This reality TV is just as, if not more exciting than network offerings.

Ray Fowler

Hello, Terence

The enmity between the Sheriff and the County Executive did not happen overnight. I feel Christina should forward a complaint to the Board of Supervisors concerning what she believes was inappropriate conduct by Mike. However, when the Supervisors respond that they will give her complaint the attention it deserves before taking action... that's not good enough for the complainant. She chooses to escalate this matter before the Supervisors can meet with her or in closed session.

There is one item mentioned by the Sheriff that has me scratching my head. She claims Mike "made unilateral decisions without her input in regards to union negotiations." If I'm not mistaken, negotiations with county employee unions are the purview of the County Executive... not the Sheriff. She is not empowered to sit across the bargaining table to make a deal with the deputies who work under her direction. So, if Mike is making decisions about negotiations without consulting Christina, that may be entirely within the scope of his duties and responsibilities as County Executive. I'm guessing he feels comfortable doing so based on his years of experience as a county representative. Even so, whatever deal he makes with the deputies has to be affirmed by the Supervisors. It's unlikely he is presenting counteroffers at the table without the Supervisors giving him authority to do so. Christina says Mike is out of line... is he? Does anyone else have information about the Sheriff's formal and informal role in contract negotiations?

Terence Y

Hi Ray, thanks for the additional thoughts and commentary here and in past soap opera episodes, especially regarding union negotiations. A quick check shows collective bargaining agreements for the county are under the purview of Employee & Labor Relations under the HR department. You are correct that the County Executive is one of the folks who signs off on MOU’s for unions related to law enforcement and Sheriff’s Sergeants (perhaps all others, but I haven’t bothered to check), in addition to other HR folks. As you’ve stated, Sheriff Corpus has no signature authority so perhaps her bellyaching about union negotiations is just another attempt to throw everything and the kitchen sink at the wall and hope something sticks. Perhaps the SMDJ can incorporate information regarding responsibility for union negotiations in future articles.

In earlier articles, there was mention of “mandatory” overtime.I don’t know if that’s in the contract but if not, perhaps the next chess move is to turn down OT? Maybe Corpus and her chief of staff (after doing the work to become entitled to wear a uniform) will need to start walking a beat.

Ray Fowler

Hey, Terence

While it may appear the county's HR department runs the negotiations show... sure... they coordinate bargaining sessions, document the proceedings, and order the coffee and doughnuts. But make no mistake... they are working under the direction of the County Executive's office. Nothing gets presented by management without his approval.

A "blue" flu is not a good idea.

LittleFoot

Corpus is already playing the victim - dealing with infighting - firing people - and an now an outside investigation - instead of protecting San Mateo County and putting forth meaningful and impactful programs - color me shocked.

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