Good morning Juice drinkers.
While several take “pot shots” at the Orange Juice, no one can ever accuse Art Pedroza of having a partisan blog. As both Claudio and Art have posted stories about Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson that take him to task I felt it appropriate to share some data on my friend who lives in Mission Viejo.
I have known Jack and Kathy Anderson for several years during which we spoke about potential future political endeavors. Their family stands on solid ground. Based on some of the comments I have read about his latest appointment my guess is that every current member of the US House of Representatives who worked alongside former S.D. Congressman “Duke” Cunningham should be tarred and feathered. Guilt by association seems to be the theme of the day as it relates to anyone connected to the OCSD.
Jack is a native of Illinois. He and his wife Kathy and their son, whose name I will not divulge, live in Mission Viejo. He has been active as a volunteer in our city and was appointed by our city council to serve on our Planning and Transportation Commission where he later served as Chairman. Jack Anderson is a 20 year veteran of the OCSD. Prior to being elevated as an Assistant Sheriff he served as Commander of the South Operations Division with responsibility for patrol and investigations for the 10 south county cities under contract with the OCSD.
Jack is a military veteran who served in the Army as a Military Policeman, MP. His work included criminal and narcotics investigations with the Army’s Criminal Investigations Division.
A retired member of the South County Operations Division sent me a note about Jack Anderson that I feel is worth sharing.
Note: I did not request this feedback nor did the individual know that I would write a Juice post that would include his remarks.
“Larry, I have known Jack for over 20 years and his wife 20 also. Jack and I worked in Drug Ed together and then in patrol. I’m sure Jack will do a great job in a difficult time.”
Let’s not jump on the bandwagon attacking a man simply due to his having worked with our former sheriff or serving as a Board Member of the OCGOP Central Committee where he was elected by the people in the 71st AD.
The only question I need to ask him is what club he used when he got a hole in one on a 342 yard par four course.
Note: While some of the above data is from an official document, the rest is based on my personal knowledge and relationships.
As always your comments are welcome!
Email response.
“I worked with Jack on the planning commission and my daughter-in-law
knows his wife well. I second all the good things you say about him.
He is an honorable and serious man.
Michael Kennedy MD”
Jack may be a very nice fellow but he is a classic case of the Peter Principle Personified. If he was being appointed a Little League coach I’d say bravo but he’s in way over his head in this current post.
I have been critical of some of the motor cycle police actions in Mission Viejo in the past. So I guess I am not a “captive fan” of the Sheriff’s office.
However I observed Jack Anderson as a citizen when he was on our Planning and Transportation Commission. Jack was alway open, honest, and concerned about the same things our citizens were concerned about. Jack was always prepared, asked good questions, and did the right thing for all involved.
I personally think Jack Anderson would be a good, effective, fair, and honest Sheriff for Orange County.
Joe Holtzman
Mission Viejo
email reply from a long time Democratic friend/MV resident:
“I always liked Jack and I am sure he will do a good job, I do wish he was not a GOP official!
Milt”
anon 12:10 p.m.
And pray tell what qualifications/credentials do you possess that make you an expert in this assessment of Jack?
PS: Good luck in your campaign.
I think that it is extremely important to judge the man on his actions and his performance, not his employee/employer relationship with his elected boss.
He is a professional law enforcement officer with a long and productive career. Guilt by association is entirely inappropriate here, as Carona was both elected and held up on a pedestal by MANY people and organizations that were not employed by him. Anderson’s statements in the Register clearly indicate that he is a professional and is waiting to see where the chips fall with Carona.
Give Anderson the benefit of his accomplishments and career. The Board of Supervisors have and the voters will have an opportunity to weigh in in 2010.
email response:
“I have probably known Jack Anderson and his family for at least 10 years. He is a good family man with solid principles. Jack Anderson could never compromise his integrity.
He is unafraid to speak his mind, but does so in a respectful manner. I have never heard him say a spiteful or malicious statement about anyone – ever.
Jack has been with the OCSD longer than Carona, and it is unfortunate that he is being tainted because of Carona’s political issues and legal problems.
Jack is the right man at the right time. Unlike Carona, Jack worked his way through the ranks. He has earned his way to the top law enforcement position in the county. He is honest, he listens, he is open-minded.
I do not have any doubt that Jack will work in the best interest of our citizens with an optimistic and energetic commitment and dedication that will propel the department forward, which will restore pride and respect.
Congratulations, Jack. Job well done!
cathy schlicht”
Why do the voters have to wait until 2010?
If the Board of Supervisors really respected the voters wishes, then they would let the voters decide who should fill the vacancy of this elected office.
Two word email response from an Orange County Superior Court Judge:
Bless you….
Anonymous No. 8,
I’m just going off the Register article where he stated that he plans to run for Sheriff in the 2010 election.
anon 1:26 p.m.
I will research and respond to your question.
As an illustration, in our city, the city council filled a vacancy after councilman Tom Potocki passed away. We could have held a “special” election prior to the end of his term but that was not to be. While I believe this is an optional choice, I have requested options contained in the election code and will respond ASAP