How a community responds to a tragic event is often determined by the response of its leaders.
In the case of the Oct. 16 officer-involved shooting that claimed the life of Ricky Ball, it is the mayor/city council and the police department whose conduct is being most closely watched. Their actions can greatly influence community response while the investigation continues.
In these cases, officials can either get out in front of the situation, or find themselves on the defensive, reacting to events as they emerge.
To date, the response has been more reactionary than proactive.
City officials, including Mayor Robert Smith and Police Chief Tony Carleton, made their first public statements on the shooting three days after the event. The message they delivered then — an expression of sorrow and an appeal to the public for patience as the investigation proceeds — was something that should have happened hours, rather than days, after the incident.
The lone voice demanding an immediate response from the city came from councilman Marty Turner, who undermined that call by turning a legitimate plea for response into a regrettable series of personal attacks on his peers through social media.
Since that Monday morning news briefing at the Municipal Complex, officials have spoken publicly a handful of times, but the posture they have taken has been mainly defensive. They have gone into action only when circumstances demand it.
We would like to see city leaders get out in front on this issue. A community meeting near the scene of the shooting — the community center at Sim Scott Park, perhaps — could go a long way toward mitigating a persistent frustration with City Hall and the police department. While the investigation may limit what information can be shared, it does not prohibit meetings that allow citizens to speak their minds and ask questions. Such a visible expression of concern can go a long way toward building community solidarity.
We urge city/police officials to reach out to the community. Columbus is looking for leadership during this difficult time.
For the city and police officials, the time to lead is now.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.