There’s another name popping up around the Board of Supervisors’ search for a new sheriff — former Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini. There’s interest up on the Fifth Floor in hiring Martini to offer expert assistance — a move that will presumably not be popular with the current acting sheriff, Jack Anderson.
As I wrote on Tuesday, the board voted 3-2 to spend $35,000 to hire a firm to do the national search for a replacement for former Sheriff Mike Carona. The two no votes were Supes Chris Norby and John Moorlach. Moorlach said he’d rather recruit from within the county and to use county staff — then he dropped Martini’s name.
“I think that staff could certainly handle this, maybe with assistance, maybe someone that could help us in selecting a sheriff,” Moorlach said. “Maybe someone like Dan Martini, who is in the sheriff’s department, someone that can give some expertise in the process.”
So will Martini be hired? Or was that just a not-so-subtle message Moorlach aimed at Anderson?
– Peggy Lowe
And what about reports of bad blood between Anderson and Martini? Carona fired Martini in one of his last acts as sheriff, right before Carona chose Anderson as his replacement — one he said he would help run for the office in 2010.
Moorlach’s office wasn’t commenting on the subject today, either. So I called CEO Tom Mauk, who said he would consider hiring Martini for any county job because he has “team spirit.”
“Dan Martini has been a tremendous asset to the county over the course of his career,” Mauk said. “If we can find any way to use his expertise and skills either in public service or in general, we will certainly do that.”
The sheriff’s department hasn’t commented in the past on why Martini was fired, citing privacy issues on personnel. Martini isn’t saying either. I tried reaching Martini today and couldn’t reach him.
Anderson’s office had no reaction today to the possible hiring of Martini. Spokesman John McDonald said they don’t comment on rumors.
– Peggy Lowe
What a great idea. Martini is the real deal.
You’ve got to be joking….keep the meds coming…
Why doesn’t someone ask Martini before they start throwing his name around like they did Doug Storm. (I hear Storm was not to thrilled to be thrown in the mix without even being asked.)
Martini’s a good guy but he might be enjoying his retirement.
It’s getting deeper and deeper. Time to get my boots on. These supes need to do some soul searching and stop this maddness and stop
spending our tax money payer.
The OCSD has spoken. I spoke yesterday and as far as I see it they would rather have a scandel then what happens to the men and woman of the Sherrif Dept. Why not,they cut over 50 jobs there out of 94.
Maybe it is time to get a re-call election up and running on some of these Supes. Time to get my web site changed to the Supes now.
Karen A Finn
Law Enforcement family
Easy there Karen, It was just Moorlach strutting and stirring the pot. He’s a self absorbed egomaniac and it just drives him nuts that he doesn’t have complete control over the other supes and this process.
I know you support Hunt and if it were up to the Moorlach and his evil sidekick “eminem” they’d pull some backdoor deal to appoint their favorite candidate. At least this way there’s some form of independent process for screening the applicants.
There are 2 chances in November election to replace 2 current supervisors. The 1st and the 3rd supervisory district seats are open. OC voters in the 1st and 3rd district must cast your vote to candidates who will listen to their constituents not to their party and/or special interests.
The Board better find out why Martini was fired before using his expertise. Mauk better do the same.
Mayberry RFD - Couldn’t have said it better myself. But I have to wonder–how up-to-date is Anderson’s resume?
True, true in the end I know the Supes will do the right thing and appoint Bill Hunt for the job. He has been endorsed 2 times by the men and women of the Sherriff’s Dept. He has the integrity it takes to become the next Sherriff of OC. I have faith in our Supervisors.
Please say a prayer for the fallen LAPD officer and his family, and extended family that was lost today. Plus the second one that needs a lot of recoup. My prayers are with all of them and the LAPD also.
God Bless You,
Karen A Finn
Law Enforcement Family
Regardless of who has endorsements, the BOS will appoint whomever they decide. They don’t give a rats a** who the Sheriffs employees want, or what polls claim. The BOS would oppose any recommendation, just because they can!
You have to realize, Moorlach and his boy (Norby) are making their bones here….The O.C is a very rich county, that historically plays very small town type corrupt politics. Money breeds corrupt politics.
Ignoring his qualities, Hunt doesn’t have a chance in hell, as he was part of Carona’s management team, and an endorsement from AOCDS isn’t going to help Hunt’s chances in light of the attitude from the BOS towards deputies.
All I could hope for Hunt is someday the BOS wakes the hell up and compensates him for the loss of a career before his suit goes to court.
Can you imagine, a soon to be convicted Carona trying to explain during a trial why he demoted Hunt….I’ll give you an example, Carona’s head slightly tilted while speaking of course, ” I demoted him for saying negative things about me, and please ignore the fact that I’m a convict.” God help us all…………..
I say move on over Shirley Grindle..Karen hasthe right idea….keep going to board meetings ( I watched it when I got home ) and pounding them every time to do the right thing. It was a scream to watch them sit there in their chairs and not be able to explain their actions to you, a taxpayer. Keep their feet to the fire and I for one don’t say “easy there ” I say keep it coming !!!!!!
A man with a vision and passion for his career. An officer of integrity at heart with a political mindset. Great idea!! Let’s hope it happens….
Martini is a great guy but his service to a great organization was over for good reason…. Let it go.
OrgCo50: There you go again pimping Craig Hunter. Maybe you should ask some of his subordinates about his history. Maybe you should ask ex-APD officer Steve Nolan about the sterling character of Hunter. Or just google Hunters name.
Hey Leave well enough. If you call disagreeing with Carona on a plan od succession and being vocal about it good reason, then maybe you are onto something.
Leave well enough alone Says:
February 7th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Martini is a great guy but his service to a great organization was over for good reason…. Let it go.
Enlighten us!! What reason was that? Because I’m sure it’s some rumor that you heard and of course no doubt believe. Do your homework before you knock a man who could restore this department to order and strengthen it’s core.
At least they aren’t talking up Paul Walters. The guy endorsed Lockyer and did commercials for Loretta Sanchez.
Makes you wonder who is wearing the wire now. Boys… all meeting are to occur in waist deep water until further notice. -Joe Galisky.
Martini was on the news a few months ago, stating he and all sheriffs administrators support Carona, Martini being a company boy…..Why in the hell would anyone pay attention to him at this point….Scott Moxley for Sheriff….Just when you thought Gates was worse, look at the department now!!