How to campaign against the boss and keep your job

Six months ago, I rode to Lt. Bill Hunt’s defense after he was demoted by Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona. The cause of Hunt’s demotion: He’d run for election against his boss -- the sheriff -- and said some very unfavorable things in what proved to be a losing effort.

You may think saying negative things is what happens in a political campaign, but Carona didn’t see it that way. After squeaking out the narrowest of election victories, the sheriff busted Hunt in rank, pay and assignment, citing a number of departmental violations Hunt allegedly committed during the rough-and-tumble campaign.

Hunt resigned but has sued the sheriff and the county for what he considers unfair treatment.

I chastised Carona back then and asked how any subordinate could be expected to run against an incumbent if losing meant risking a demotion and pay cut. Carona’s actions struck me as payback unbecoming an officer or a gentleman.

Humbly, I now acknowledge my faulty thinking. With better campaign advice, Hunt could have taken a totally different approach and avoided all this unpleasantness.

Some examples follow.

What Hunt said: Carona “has taken cronyism to a new level. The promotions in the department are not based on experience, they’re not based on ability, they’re not based on leadership. They’re based on politics and people that are loyal to him as sheriff.”

What he could have said: “The sheriff values friendship and loyalty and should be applauded for rewarding them.”

Hunt said: “Mike Carona has failed as a leader for the department.”

Could have said: “I would follow Mike Carona through the fiery walls of Hell.”

Hunt said: “The reputation of the department is being tarnished.”

Could have said: “What are reputations, really, but someone else’s perception of reality? And if they’re just perceptions, should we worry about them? I’m tired of all the negativity.”

Hunt said: “From sexual harassment lawsuits, indictments and attorney general investigations of his staff and campaign aides, to dirty campaign donations, Carona has disgraced the department.”

Could have said: “The sheriff’s job is quite complex and has many disparate elements. It requires a level of multi-tasking not seen in other jobs.”

Hunt said: “I got into this race for the same reason I think the other two did.”

Could have said: “I’m not sure why I or anyone else is running, given the kind of job Mike Carona is doing. But, if for some reason I’m elected, I’ll do my best.”

Hunt said: “I will put more deputies on the street. The sheriff has mismanaged the department staffing.”

Could have said: “Frankly, the issue of department staffing bores me, so I’ll have to find someone to do that. I know this much, nobody likes to see a lot of deputies roaming around.”

Hunt said: “Our sheriff’s badge has been tarnished.”

Could have said: “I’m not qualified to spit-shine the sheriff’s shoes, not to mention his badge.”

Hunt said: “He is the cause of all the [department’s] problems.”

Could have said: “Other candidates may criticize the sheriff, but what have they done lately? Besides, who among us is perfect? Who among us can’t strive to be better?”

Hunt said: “People who have done the job, worked the tough jobs, have proven themselves as responsible leaders are being marginalized because they won’t compromise their integrity to go along with Mike Carona....”

Could have said: “Sometimes in this business, people who have done the tough jobs get burned out. If you don’t understand that, you don’t understand law enforcement.”

Hunt said (in his campaign slogan): “Restore Integrity and Trust in the Sheriff’s Department.”

Could have said: “Take a Chance, Elect Me Sheriff.”