Editorial: Public Deserves Truth On Sheriff’s Comments

It is extremely troubling that the Bernalillo County sheriff would describe one female employee as a “fat slob” and say two others were acting like “a couple of whores.” So it is extremely important that the residents who depend on Sheriff Dan Houston to enforce the law equally and fairly, and the taxpayers who fund his salary and department, know exactly what Houston said, and in what context.

A settlement in which nobody admits anything might make the whistle-blower lawsuit filed by his former spokeswoman and legal adviser go away. It could silence the discrimination claim filed by his former administrative assistant, and the retaliation claim filed by his former legal assistant.

But that kind of secrecy by all parties in the three cases would cost the public because Houston is the top law enforcement official in the state’s most populous county and is expected to lead his 283 deputies (33 who are female) and 62 civilian employees (47 who are female) — by example.

He should not believe he can get away with simply dissembling and then disappearing from public view, admitting “fat slob” was “inappropriate” and claiming he was just repeating someone else’s “whores” comment to an employee during a meeting on her performance.

Houston’s veracity has been placed into further question since a third party has denied making the original “whores” comment.

It’s not Houston’s first brush with controversy.

He dismissed out of hand a no-confidence vote by 146 of 149 deputies who voted in a referendum on his leadership. He has also failed to acknowledge criticism for lowering hiring standards for sworn officers while giving rejected applicants quick do-overs. For adding $60,000 worth of rental expense to the annual helicopter budget by moving to a hangar owned by his largest campaign contributor. For purchasing high-dollar spray-and-pray rifles for urban tactical operations. For holding secular graduation ceremonies in the mega-church he attends. For being accused multiple times of using Internal Affairs investigations to retaliate against employees.

And now for using the terms “whores” and “fat slob” in reference to female employees.

There are many questions surrounding Houston’s comments. The public deserves more than potential costly settlements with no details beyond the bill. It deserves answers.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.