08/06/03  Open Letter to John Wiley Price

With all due respect, Mr. Price, the issue here is completely and only about competence and accountability within the Police Department.  

It is disturbing that the African-American Community continues to bring up the race card when it comes to Chief Bolton and others who don't rise to the level that their jobs require.  

Chief Bolton has had his chance to show performance.  

Starting with demoting key members of his staff (all Anglos) the list of his mistakes is way too long to restate here.  His decisions have cost Dallas taxpayers millions of dollars so far.  

Whatever that total is will probably be more than doubled by the time the City pays for all the unjust imprisonment of innocent Mexican nationals relating to the fake drug scandal.  

There is also no way to estimate the true cost of the low morale of the officers under his command.   

Chief Bolton may be a good man who just happened to be promoted to a job he is not capable to handle.  Ever heard of the Peter Principle?  

The Dallas Morning News is right to try to hold the Chief accountable.  It's time to put his feet on the fire!  It has all to do with Chief Bolton's performance and nothing to do with his race!  

With his record, would he still be on the job if he was in the private sector?  We all know the answer to that.  Do you, Mr. Price?  

Now, will Dallas City Council and the City Manager join the Mayor and the Dallas Morning News in making Chief Bolton Accountable?  I'm not holding my breath!