• Not everyone will always agree with you • We the sheeple • Bring back aloha Not everyone will always agree with you Glenn Mickens, in his letter of Feb. 4, asks “Where among likely candidates for mayor would we
• Not everyone will always agree with you • We the sheeple • Bring back aloha
Not everyone will always agree with you
Glenn Mickens, in his letter of Feb. 4, asks “Where among likely candidates for mayor would we find the person with the education and training to be a competent chief executive for our county?”
Before answering the question, allow me first to establish the factual background upon which we continue our discussion on the subject of the county-manager system:
(1) Admittedly, there are no defects within our County Charter which are the direct causes of the “pages of problems.”
(2) Without denial, the “pages of problems” amounted to problems encountered in dealing with people elected or appointed to implement or operate our government. I have suggested that the cure to these problems lies in electing people who agree with your points of view, not by changing the system.
Strangely, in the initial stages of our dialog, the county manager was described as being chosen because of his “education and experience” (“County mishandles manager proposal,” Walter Lewis, Nov. 14; and “Glaring facts,” Glenn Mickens, Nov. 24). Mr. Mickens now makes a quantum leap in describing a “competent chief executive” (meaning, of course, the manager) as one who is with “education and training.”
With “training” as now one of the basic qualifications (in place of “experience”), the answer is very simple and obvious. Where will we find this person? Not on Kaua‘i. Not, presumably, in Hawai‘i.
But, of course, from the International City/County Management Association which provides membership to its managers but more importantly “trains” prospective county-managers.
Accordingly, since within the entire state we have no “educated and trained” manager (competent chief executive), and, if Kaua‘i were to adopt the county-manager system, we will be dependent upon (1) the ICMA to provide a non-resident manager, or (2) an invited non-resident manager currently employed in some county with enticements of higher pay and other perquisites to come to Kaua‘i.
Is Kaua‘i lacking in competent chief executives even without ICMA training? I say no. By education and experience, Kaua‘i is blessed with many willing to serve as our mayor.
Competence is a skill developed from a combination of education, experience, background and character. Measures of performance are evaluated and determined in the eye of the beholder and graded according to the point of view of the beholder.
If it’s competence that we seek, remember, that in any government system, local, state or national, there is always an assemblage of advisers and cabinet members to carry out the vision, e.g. of the mayor, for making Kaua‘i a better Kaua‘i and meeting the needs and wants of the people.
Accountability? Every Mayor is responsible and accountable for the acts of those assigned to assist in his governance. How well they and he/she performs will be reflected in the results of the next election.
One other question is asked. “Who are the right people?” The people who agree with your point of view, your opinions and enough voters to vote them into office. Failing this, you must agree that there are many who do not necessarily always agree with you.
Alfred Laureta, Lihu‘e
We the sheeple
I heartily agree with Dan O’Flaherty of Koloa on the subject of laws which are being passed for “our safety” (“It’s about taxation, not safety,” Letters, Feb. 6).
I would also be interested in how much money is being generated by these “fines” (taxes), and where is it going?
Also, I would like to see the newspaper do more reporting on the “due process” as it is being meted out to the general public in our “judicial system.” Perhaps some articles on various victims of it as to what transpired in their hearings.
Accountability, I believe, it is called. I feel it is time for the powers that be to bear closer scrutiny by those they are supposed to be serving. We the people! (More recently referred to as sheeple).
Diana Howard, Hanalei
Bring back aloha
Even in the short amount of time I’ve been here, I’ve been painfully aware that the aloha that I saw when I got here has been disappearing.
Most people think it’s just a word that means hello, goodbye and love. How the ancients thought about the word was described to me recently.
Take the word apart. What was described was that “alo” means “spirit or mana” and “ha” means “breath.” So when you wish someone aloha, you’re imparting a piece of your spirit to them through your breath.
Let’s bring it back, shall we?
Valerie Thruelsen, Princeville
