Best be where the heart is

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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In less than a week, we should know whether Greg Graham will take another job. We hope he remains as police chief - but only if his heart is in Cedar Rapids.

Signs indicate otherwise. Graham announced last week that the mayor of Ocala., Fla., had contacted him about being that city's next police chief. He's expected to be in Ocala on Tuesday when the city council takes up the mayor's recommendation.

Graham had served on that city's police force for 25 years, including the last six as the deputy police chief, when Cedar Rapids officials hired him 3 1/2 years ago. He was well-respected during his time in Ocala, and he also has family there.

Obviously, the Ocala roots run deep, which supports Graham's statement to a reporter: “If another job opened up, the only job I would consider going back to is in Ocala,” a north-central Florida community about half the size of Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz told us Wednesday there's a good chance Graham will leave even though “we're doing what we can to keep him. He's well respected throughout the city and he's been an excellent leader” who engaged the community.

The city certainly has rewarded Graham, increasing his starting wage of $122,907 to the current $139,048.

“But I don't think this is about the dollars; the chief is not making this a bidding war,” Pomeranz said. “He has family and personal ties there, and it's a career decision.”

Also to his credit, Graham let the city and community know about the Ocala offer in an open, timely manner.

Despite his relatively short tenure here, Graham has made a sizable mark on the community. Crime statistics have trended down overall. Accidents dropped off substantially after Graham proposed, and the City Council approved two years ago, the use of controversial traffic cameras at targeted intersections and I-380 through the downtown. The chief revamped the community policing strategy, including addition of a city substation, after cracking down on crime, especially in parts of the city's southeast side. He pushed more scrutiny of liquor-license renewals.

He's been a “model leader” who has run a department virtually free of internal strife, Pomeranz said. “The rank and file have been happy.” Most of the feedback we have received is similar.

The case for keeping Graham is strong. But if the Ocala pull is stronger, it's best he goes. Harboring any regrets likely would interfere with his effectiveness here in such a demanding job.

You can't have your heart in one community and serve another to your potential.

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