Governor Riley Case Study

Governor Riley and his staff took the right course of action to address the tragedy that surfaced from the death of Mr. Mickey McClinton. He and his staff were able to effectively accommodate the request to meet the needs of the protesters by diverting a crisis from happening which could have great political implications not only for the State of South Carolina but could have ruined his political legacy as governor. Nevertheless, this situation could also have great repercussion for public safety had the protesters demands been ignored and it could have erupted into violence and chaos. On the other hand, the governor’s strategic and political maneuvers will also allow his office to address the Chester Movement for Justice's concerns including those had absolutely no connection to the death of Mr. McClinton. There are always certain risks involved if direct action is not taken the time to be address certain matters promptly. Nevertheless, personally agreeing to meet with the leaders and organizers of the protest allows the governor to accept responsibility as the head of state of the State South Carolina by taking an assertive twist and approach to this matter.

During the meeting the governor allowed everyone present a chance to speak, share and voice their concerns while he still remained in control which indicated that he knows how to manage and he will make the final decision of what is going to happen at the end.

The governor did an adequate job of preparing for the meeting with protestors. Another interesting point to make about the governor in this case which was significant is when he asked the mother of the deceased if she thinks that her son was murdered and castrated and she replied “yes” and he responded by saying “I believe you.” He also asked the mother if she wanted a second autopsy which she agreed to

have.
Although the governor may not have wanted to agree to this request, he knew that it is the proper and just thing to do because if he chose not to allow for this process to happen there might be speculation about a cover up by the governor. The governor and his staff was able to also researched this case adequately and was privy to all the existing facts, which made it possible for him to investigate possible alternative policy on what to offer and expect from the meeting and the outcome that might surface from the second autopsy, including the legalities and implications for the state, in terms of allocating the funds to aid the investigative and inquiry process to happen. There are also other liabilities that may materialize once the family gets the outcome of the case. Thus the family members’ of the deceased might want to start legal proceedings. This on top of the already tedious situation will only cost the state of South Carolina more to dig deeper into its coffers to provide extra funds for security and patrols at nights etc. This showed as governor how serious this matter is to him and the state and the level of groundwork that needs to be in place before there could be any meeting with the victim's mother, Mrs. Patricia Poag and the Chester Movement for Justice's group.