A nominee of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has offered to reduce his salary if he is allowed to remain on the boards of several corporations.
As secretary of commerce and trade, Robert Sledd would oversee 13 state agencies and help the governor carry out business-related policies. Sledd is on the board of directors of three companies that could potentially be affected by any policy changes, including tobacco giant Universal Corp. of Richmond.
Over the last few days, I’ve had a number of conversations with candidate aspirants. It seems those conversations always end up in the same place: what is the definition of public servant? A quick search of the term brings up a rather innocuous definition:
A person who holds a government position by election or appointment.
Yes, but isn’t it a bit more than that? When I think of “public servant” or “public service,” I think of it as having some higher calling, the desire to do something good, to improve things for all. Margaret Chase Smith said:
My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honor is to be earned, not bought.
Thomas Jefferson proudly declared:
I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.
Public service is not about personal gain. If Mr. Sledd finds that he cannot make do with the salary of the position offered, if for him public service does not carry with it a higher calling, then he should decline the appointment. We don’t need in our government people who cannot and will not relinquish situations that are ripe for conflict. I’m quite sure that McDonnell can easily find someone equally qualified who is willing to do the people’s business for the price offered.
If not, then we have a much, much bigger problem.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Vivian,
Couldn’t agree with you more here. It’s Secretary of Commerce. The Republicans don’t lack for folks with the credentials and dedication to quality for this position.
Vivian: What you say makes perfect sense. Virginia needs a Secretary of Commerce whose commitment to the public interest is beyond question. Sledd is a strong candidate, but he is far from the only person for the job.
I think I have to agree with you here, VJP. One shouldn’t have to become impoverished to enter the Administration, but the opportunities for “the appearance of impropriety” — which will be spun ad nauseum by the Governor-elect’s political opponents — are too obvious to ignore.
I’m not sure about holding public office being a higher calling, but I definately agree with the premise of this post.
I am suspicious of career politicans and government bureucrats. The force of gorvenment should not be used to enrich individuals.
The system works best when individuals are sucessful and amass their fortunes in the private sectors and then decide to dedicate a few years in office. Then they are providing a service.
When they are holding office, it needs to be their only obligation.
So this is the man who is going to oversee the department of labor and industry. Once again labor and the middle class are shut out. Safety in the workplace is doomed.
Vivian,
As often is the case, you have shared another perspective that is badly needed in our country.
We need more folks like you running for public office? Any chances of you running in the near future?
I don’t believe I’m alone in my thinking. There are a lot of folks out there who think similarly. Unfortunately, too many of them fear the slash-and-burn politics of our day. Their desire to serve is tempered by their willingness to be tarred and feathered for the slightest infraction – real or imagined.
As for me – I cannot predict what the future holds. Another run for office may or may not be there.
Instead of this guy, I’m surprised McDonell didn’t nominate one of the republicans sitting on the board of VEPCO, or the Christian Broadcasting Network… No conflict of interest there! Trust Me! I’m a republican and a Christian…
There were two things about this story that really bothered me, both related to this whole idea of public service.
First, the guy admitted that he needs the income from the outside jobs. OK – then don’t accept the position. There’s nothing wrong with saying no.
Second, if Gov.-elect McDonnell is aware of this, there’s nothing wrong with him retracting the nomination.
Find someone who is willing and able to serve for the salary. I doubt if there is a shortage of candidates.