‘Failure to execute’
‘Failure to execute’
This is a response to Neal Herbert’s letter (Tribune-Herald, Jan. 23) in which he points out that the mayor has appointed so few citizens to commission vacancies that meetings do not occur because a quorum cannot be mustered. To illustrate Mr. Herbert’s point, last week a lack of quorum resulted in the cancellation of the monthly meeting of the Committee on People with Disabilities, a committee which also has vacant seats that need to be occupied.
A famous line from Paul Newman’s, “Cool Hand Luke” speaks about “a failure to communicate.” In Hawaii County, there is a “failure to execute” good government, a government that ensures critical boards and commissions are staffed so that the peoples’ business can be conducted.
This is what the executive branch fails to do: execute good government.
I would like to add a personal face to Mr. Herbert’s letter because I am one of those who is willing to serve, but never contacted. On Oct. 25, 2015, I submitted an application to fill one of the vacancies on the Committee On People With Disabilities. This is the same committee that didn’t meet on Jan. 20 because it lacked a quorum.
I am retired, a veteran, and have disability parking privileges. I serve on the board of a local charity, volunteer with the Community Alliance Partners to help eliminate homelessness, and work with other AARP volunteers and prepare free tax returns for the elderly. I have the time, experience and motivation to do additional volunteer work.
But my application sits somewhere on the desktop of a faceless bureaucrat on Aupuni Street. Perhaps it’s with applications from others who are willing to serve, but is dead-ended by the county’s continuing “failure to execute.’”
But frankly right now, I don’t think it is possible to shame or embarrass the county to do any better. County officials know what needs to be done, but do not do it. Maybe that is why people are so disgusted with government and why Donald Trump’s kick-butt philosophy is so popular.
And as for me, now that I’ve written this, I suspect that my chances of being called to serve are less than zero, but that’s the risk I’m willing to take so I can shed some light on a very dark situation.
Richard Dinges
Hilo