New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.
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“This is a response to David Ehrens article, “Many valid reasons that Sheriff Heroux canceled autism, anti-bullying programs”
It is intriguing how people often target the author rather than focusing on the topic at hand. An attempt to distract from the points at hand. I want to clarify that I am not a “Hodgson supporter squeezing sour grapes,” as some may find it convenient to shift the discussion. Similarly, one could assume that the responding author is a Heroux supporter, endorsing a political figure whose program cancellations are affecting real people within the community.
In today’s polarized society, where people tend to see things in black and white and disregard the nuances (the gray areas) of a topic, we often oversimplify discussions. Delving deeper into a subject is strategically avoided by those who hold a specific viewpoint. I feel alot of these subjects deserve deeper dives as research proves community programs have a direct connection to preventing the need for care and custody. It’s both amusing and saddening that it takes concerned citizens to write pieces like this to urge political figures to just do the right thing.
We must commend the author of the response piece for their remarkable job in identifying suitable alternatives for these services. Their efforts are truly praiseworthy. It should makes us wonder what could have been accomplished if Sheriff Heroux had invested the same 20 minutes of research into his own response. If anything, the previous author effectively proved our point that Sheriff Heroux did not exert ANY effort, because of the fact he did not consider it important enough.
BCSO photo>
Regardless of whether you are Sheriff Hodgson, Sheriff Heroux, Deputy Dog, or Woody from Toy Story, the well-being of the community should be paramount. The main concern here is that no one was informed or provided with alternatives for these services. (except for the comments section on Heroux’s Facebook page in response to community criticism)
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office was actively involved in schools across Bristol County, educating students about the importance of anti-bullying and the negative impact of social media—topics of great significance. However, there was no discussion or communication with the schools regarding finding alternative solutions. Shouldn’t Sheriff Heroux have dedicated his own 20 minutes of research to this responsibility? Or is this the responsibility of some other unknown community entity as well?
Lastly, concerning TRIADS, which serves the elderly population, there was no effort made to find alternative arrangements or collaborate with these communities. We believe that within the authors own words of your opinion peice, you’ve highlighted and proven Heroux’s complete disregard for providing responsible and compassionate service to those in need within the community— as pointed out ans outlined in the Sheriff’s Office mission statement.
Ironically, you wouldn’t be aware of this because, since the posting of our response highlighting the Mission Statement and the responsibility and DUTY to the community, Sheriff Heroux has DELETED and CHANGED the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office mission statement to reflect otherwise. Yes, that’s right! No talks, discussions, no press on the subject. For someone who loves press and social media, there was not a peep on this cover-up. I have attached a screenshot of the previous mission statement as evidence. I am curious about what prompted this sudden change and how the community feels about it.
I believe that as a community, in the future, it’s going to be very difficult to expect anything other than what Heroux is putting forth as helping the community. Contrary to his OWN words, he is showing it is easier for him to whitewash his duties and replace web-pages in hopes nobody will notice, than help his community and do the right thing. If he is thinking we won’t notice, or thinking we will forget… we won’t.”-Anonymous.
Sheriff Heroux is still making changes throughout the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office body. This process takes time. He has corrected or trued the website’s Mission Statement:
“The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office is a public safety organization committed to care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of inmates. The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office strives to promote a work environment where employees feel valued and have a sense of purpose in their daily work, and will assist other public organizations when needed.”-Sheriff Heroux.
