In the post below, I mentioned a story from Marc Dann's hometown paper, the Youngstown Vindicator, that got me thinking about some of the things I had heard over the last few weeks...Something from the story kept sticking out to me. An excerpt:
Dann, a former Liberty school board member and state senator who had practiced law in the Valley, had been forewarned about Jennings, in particular, and his hirings of individuals from this area, in general.We shouldn't be in this for loyalty to our friends. Government service isn't supposed to be about taking care of friends. If you are an elected official and the only reason why you are hiring somebody (or not firing somebody) is loyalty or money...you have a problem. If you are a voter or have the responsibility of making a choice that puts someone in to a position of authority, and the only reason for the selection that you make is loyalty or money...you have a problem.
Dann ignored the warnings. Why?
Loyalty.
Said an individual with knowledge of what went on as Dann was assembling his staff before taking office in January 2007, “He’s loyal to his friends.”
Even friends like these.
Dann apparently believes in redemption and second chances.
Interestingly, that was the very same reason given by Traficant when it was revealed that his top congressional aide and confidant, Charles O’Nesti, had dealings with Valley Mafia boss Lenine “Lenny” Strollo — after he was on the federal payroll.
Why didn’t you just get rid of Chuck, Traficant was asked.
“I’m loyal to my friends,” the then-congressman said.
Our communities deserve better. Our constituencies deserve better. The Republican Party deserves better.
I believe that we scored a major victory in the battle against that philosophy last week when we took the responsible action of appointing Roger Reynolds to the Auditor's office. To be perfectly honest, I was fully expecting Roger to be defeated; but the Central Committee surprised me once again.
In my short tenure with the Butler County Central Committee, I have made many new friends. And I am loyal to my friends...but that will NEVER be my reason for voting for one of them. And if they really, truly are my friends...they know that. Politics should not be personal. It's business. And you don't make business decisions based on personal loyalty. Businesses that do that aren't in business for very long.
I'm not saying let's not be sociable. I'm saying that I don't think that is reason enough to hand someone the keys to the kingdom. We need our politicians to be competent, engaged, and proactive. Best Friends Forever need not, neccessarily, apply...
