Several new Kootenai County officials were sworn in today. The new executives include County Commissioners Dan Green and Jai Nelson, Coroner Deb Wilkey, and County Clerk Cliff Hayes.
What do you think the biggest challenges are for each of the new executives? What do you think the biggest surprises will be for each?
Biggest Challenges
1. Identifying and retaining honest, qualified employees.
2. Identifying and removing dishonest, unqualified employees.
3. Dealing with the political fallout generated by those who preferred having dishonest, unqualified employees.
4. Recognizing that Kootenai County is in the 21st century along with everyone else. The public expects 21st century public administration from all department heads, whether elected or appointed.
5. Preparing subordinates to succeed in their jobs.
Biggest Surprises
1. Some public officials and employees who were thought to be honest will be conclusively proven to have been otherwise.
2. More citizens than expected value honesty and diligence rather that partisan political loyalty among public officials.
Comment by Bill — January 11, 2011 @ 9:01 am
Bill, that would be my wish list and should be expected. Would be nice if they would simply do an ethical and honest job. When ever I come across a public agency not following the law they stop doing that and fix it. Some call it the State of Kootenai. Kootenai County just goes from bad to worse every time. Hope change for the good really happens! Anyway nicely done!
Comment by Appalled — January 11, 2011 @ 5:51 pm
Appalled,
Thanks. However there are a lot of people who have been here a lot longer than I and have been fighting this much longer. The good news is that in addition to the far-too-many complacent and indifferent in Kootenai County and certainly in Coeur d’Alene, there are a lot of citizens who have bonded together in support of honest and responsible government, people who do not want to do unceasing public records requests or pore over canceled checks and emails and court records just to keep our elected and appointed officials honest.
Comment by Bill — January 11, 2011 @ 6:55 pm