ISLAND VOICES
Lingle looked first for quality
By Russell Pang
Russell Pang is chief of media relations in the Office of the Governor.
Lee Cataluna missed the mark badly in her Dec. 2 column "The more things change ..." in which she falsely accuses Gov. Linda Lingle of appointing friends or political allies.
The governor appointed individuals she felt were the most qualified and committed. Some proved their dedication to public service while serving under then-Mayor Lingle. One example is Marylou Green, who was the administrative assistant for eight years to the former mayor, and not just someone's sister, as Cataluna claims.
PANG
Others worked tirelessly to help Lingle win the people's strong and clear vote for change. Most of those appointed had never met the governor before their selection, never served in government, nor worked on any political campaign. Many gave up their private-sector jobs for public service. The common thread among the appointees is a commitment to fulfill the public's desire for a new beginning.
Upon being elected, Lingle established search committees to find the most qualified candidates for her new Cabinet. The volunteer committees conducted broad-based searches for potential candidates and recommended the top individuals to the governor for her consideration. None were asked about their political affiliations.
Of the 17 Cabinet members, 11 had no connection to Lingle. Directors such as Mark Recktenwald, who heads the Department of Commerce and Consumers Affairs, and Russ Saito, the state's comptroller who oversees the Department of Accounting and General Services, submitted their resumes online, having never met Lingle until their first interview with her.
Of the 23 deputy directors appointed, 20 had no political or social connection to Lingle.
Those chosen to manage the governor's residence and serve as her chef clearly require a level of personal trust and confidence. The fact that Lingle appointed Stephanie Aveiro and Alan Awana (an experienced chef), two trusted individuals, is only logical.
Lingle continues to encourage people to send in their resumes at www.hawaii.gov/gov.
