Say NO To Career Public Servants

In my county there is a pending Democratic primary race for County Attorney. There are no Republicans or other candidates seeking this particular office so the victor will most likely become the next person mandated to prosecute those charged with criminal offenses and to give advise to various county officials. What has caught my attention about this political contest is the resume of one of the candidates.



This candidate is a career-long employee of the office now sought. This candidate became employed by the County Attorney just after the completion of law school and for almost 15 years has remained with the same department doing well and being promoted. Although the candidate claims that "Proven Experience, Leadership and Performance" justify election, these same facts require that "employee" status be maintained and not pave the way to the role of boss .



Clearly missing from the resume is any history of having a real economic life. There is no reference to any privately earned living and no reference to having to cover the expenses of a business including overhead and employees' earnings. The candidate is a "career public servant" and such a title should almost automatically be a disqualification as a serious candidate to be in charge of the public office in which already employed. It must be understood that our nation, at all levels, is in absolute need of individuals who are willing to serve the needs of the public. However, the ultimate leadership role in any elected government capacity cannot be a reward given to a long-time public employee of that department.


It would be inappropriate for there to be an automatic restriction to be placed upon a public employee seeking elected office. However, my vote in every election for a government leadership role will always go to a candidate who has experienced the realities of the business world and is therefore prepared to bring that same reality into the world of government service. A career of being only a government employee always funded and paid by tax dollars just does not qualify a candidate for an elected leadership role.


To my thinking, the County Attorney staff member should either accept and proudly maintain the current role in the judicial system; serve the public; and be paid by tax dollars. The alternative is acknowledging a determined desire to lead that department; join the ranks of the local private bar; experience the realities of operating a law practice; and then seek election to that County Attorney leadership role.


Whether the office sought is US President or US Senator or County Attorney, the candidates must always bring with them a history of experience in the private, real world.


Not far from this "real experience" requirement are thoughts on term limitations. But that is a topic for another day.