Issue with item in John Horgan’s column

Another item to look at with leaders is their so-called Coaching Tree. Look at Susan's former employees - Mike Callagy - Dave Norris - Ryan Monaghan etc.

Those that stayed like Dave Peruzzaro have demonstrated likewise leadership qualities. Some officers who spent their entire career in San Mateo like Art Sanchez, could have, at a minutes notice - been the top leader of any department.

I noticed a huge cohesive change of partnership during Robert Ross's short time as Mayor of San Mateo.

Shout out to Robert, wherever you are. [cool]

Jimmy Lawrence ... ... Doubtful Susan did her own vetting, it appears HR does that on every job, city job ....

Jim Lawrence ...

"Wanna Get Away" ...[wink]

This hit piece by Jim Lawrence comes out of left field. As far as I know, Susan Manheimer has not announced herself as a candidate for Sheriff, this was simply a comment by columnist John Horan, .but Mr. Lawrence takes the opportunity to take a gratuitous jab at Ms. Manheimer who served with honor as the Chief of Police for San Mateo for 20 years. It must be pointed out that Susan Manheimer was selected by the City of Oakland as interim Chief to lead its troubled and divided police department that had been de-funded 3 times out of the darkness and held it together until the search for a new Chief was completed. Manheimer fulfilled a controversy-free tenure and was the only Chief in recent memory not be be fired by Oakland politics. She was also called upon by San Bruno to lead their police department while the search for a new Chief was underway. It would seem clear that she has the trust of many and she has been nationally recognized for her leadership in police administration. Susan Manheimer was elected president of the California Police Chiefs Association and the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. she has the total respect of her peers. Hmm…that’s quite a resume but I will say no more. Need an interim administrator for your quagmire…Who ya’ gonna call?

Mr. Lawrence is barking up the wrong tree and brings discredit to his organization Fixin' San Mateo County. What are your motives??

Respectfully, Rick Sakuda, 35 year San Mateo resident

In my experience, Susan Manheimer has been a caring and compassionate police chief who has proven herself to be a dedicated law enforcement officer in five very different cities where she has worked to enhance performance and accountability throughout each department in which she has served. She is a proven and trusted leader among law enforcement personnel and trusted by residents of our local communities. Several of the men and women she has mentored have themselves gone on to be chosen for leadership positions throughout the area. And her own leadership skills and experiences would make her a most suitable interim leader for a very troubled sheriff’s department should the opportunity arise. Karen Moen, San Mateo.

I think we also need to look at all the Officers the former Chief groomed into leaders who became Police Chiefs of other Cities, Dave Norris Menlo Park, Ryan Monaghan Tiburon, and Matthew Lethin San Bruno; to name a few. Susan Manheimer is a true leader and a class act who built a cutting age Police Department. So much so that other cities have been poaching our talent for years and will continue to do so for years to come.

So Susan Manheimer served for how many years as a police chief with San Mateo, Oakland, and San Bruno? And Mr. Lawrence here is cherry picking a single incident – an incident which looks like action was taken when known – to derail the choice of Ms. Manheimer. Does Mr. Lawrence have inside information on an upcoming appointment of Ms. Manheimer? Does Mr. Lawrence have designs on another civilian oversight commission that will cost taxpayers money for not a lot of, if any, benefit?

If we apply the rationale from Mr. Lawrence then we should kick out every Democrat who supports sanctuary cities because I’m sure we can point to more than one incident where they’ve allowed egregious misconduct. BTW, Mr. Lawrence, I’m unsure why you have a bone to pick with Ms. Manheimer but who would be your choice? Will folks be able to cherry-pick at least one skeleton in their closet?

Good morning, James

I disagree with John Horgan's choice... for different reasons. I like San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini as a candidate for our next sheriff. He is certainly imminently better qualified to assume the duties of sheriff than Christina Corpus when she ran for office.

But your disagreement is with John Horgan's endorsement of Susan Manheimer for the sheriff's job. IMO she is also imminently better qualified for the job than the tag team of Christina Corpus & Victor Aenlle.

You claim there is documented evidence re: Noah Winchester's crimes committed on duty as a San Mateo police officer that disqualifies Susan Manheimer for appointment as interim sheriff. Where are the documents that show Susan Manheimer or anyone else at SMPD had any knowledge of crimes committed by Noah Winchester when he was employed as a law enforcement officer in Sacramento? Where are the documents that show Susan Manheimer had knowledge of Noah Winchester's crimes in San Mateo County and failed to take appropriate action? Where are the documents that show Susan Manheimer failed to initiate action once Noah Winchester's crimes came to light?

Maybe instead of Fixin' San Mateo County you could spend some time fixin' your LTE.

Susan Manheimer served the City of San Mateo for many years and led the charge in bringing Police and Community together - working hard to showcase the great work our Police officers do for the underserved, and overlooked. Don't reassign the full weight and blame on one person for the actions of another.