On August 22, 2012, at Mission Royal in Casa Grande before an audience of concerned voters, Mr. Babeu took on the persona of an angry 3 year old. When candidate Jack McClaren spoke about Mr. Babeu’s unprofessional behavior, primarily his decision to post naked pictures of himself on the adamforadam internet website, Babeu’s face turned red, he began shouting at Mr. McClaren, he put on his victim’s hat, and pouted about how his personal life was not affecting his professional life. Babeu had to be directed to “calm down” but he continued to show aggression and anger. (The posted naked pictures were never disputed.)
This was neither the first nor the last display of less-than-professional demeanor. During a meeting at the Board of Supervisors’, Mr. Babeu, in true tantrum form, demonstrated his upset at the Board’s denial to give the sheriff more money. Although Babeu’s budget had long been approved, and although other responsible county leaders were able to remain within their budgets, Babeu, well just wanted more money. When he didn’t get what he wanted, he threw a fit. He yelled; he slammed his fists; he blamed the mishap on the Board; then he turned and stormed out of the meeting. Again he blamed this on the Board of Supervisors.
On October 13, 2012, he continued his tirade. This latest fit occurred in public, again. At the close of a candidate debate, one that appeared to frustrate Mr. Babeu, he lost his cool. He made a backhanded remark about my age and weight. I replied, “I think I can still whip you.” Babeu then took a sarcastic tone and stated “ you will be last in this race” at this I stated “ I don’t know who’s spreading more crap around here you or Voyles”. Apparently, Babeu took offense to this reply as he began yelling at me, amid reporters, and the interested citizens still in the building, and called me a bigot. He was yelling that I would never be a cop again. Like a spoiled child in a candy store, Mr. Babeu gained the attention of all. Then as he stormed from the building he insulted my wife by saying. “I hope you're proud of your husband, he will be last in this race.”
These are not the only kind of fits he throws. In response to employees’ offending him, Babeu has placed people on administrative leave (paid leave) for years, consequently wasting tax payers’ money. Employees have been disciplined in a variety of ways for speaking out about Babeu’s administrative blunders. The list of tantrums goes on.
Now, let’s take a look at “jumping to conclusions”. Imagine having lost 5 family members, tragically, all at one time. Then having the head Law Enforcement Officer from the county where your family was located all deceased tell you and the media that this was the work of the drug cartel. Imagine being told that these loved ones were killed by some drug cartel members, in the desert.
Sadly, there are other such stories. Recently, US Border Patrol lost one officer; another officer was injured. Again, Babeu jumped to a conclusion; he blamed the incident on the drug cartel without having the facts. This unfortunate incident turned out much different.
Each time one of his outbursts occurs he alleges it is a political attack, or people are picking on him because of his lifestyle.
People of Pinal county have to hold this guy accountable for budgeting, outbursts, indiscretions.
As a Police officer in Pinal county for the last 30 years I can assure you it is an important attribute that a police officer must be able to control his/her anger. I have dealt with child molesters, rapists, and other very despicable criminals. Had I lost my composure when dealing with them, they may have been able to claim constitutional right violations and been walking free instead of going to prison where they very much belonged.
I encourage all Pinal county voters to do some research. Consider do you want a career Politician or a career Police Officer for your Sheriff.
