No matter how an incoming leader claims to be ready for the daunting job he faces, and how he insists on hitting the ground running, a crucial part of the transition process is the choice of Cabinet members. These are his alter egos, whose words, decisions and actions will be construed as his, as well.
Less than two months before the new administration is sworn in, names of actual and potential appointees to various agencies of the national government are being floated.
And while the chief executive himself might have landed the job via popular mandate, these alter egos would only stand on the trust and confidence given them by the appointing power. And yet, the implications of their actions will be grave and far-reaching.
Trust and confidence must be based on many things besides personal relationships. Proven competence in the specific field, experience, knowledge of the nuances and most of all personal integrity must all be considered.
Our country has not yet completely recovered from the COVID-19 health crisis and the economic consequences it carried. Moreover, there are the long-standing problems that have plagued us even before the pandemic.
The challenge, then, is to pick the right person for the job – capable and trustworthy, competent and honest. Good choices will help the new administration hit the ground running; unenlightened appointments will only serve to make the job difficult not only for the incoming leader, but more importantly to the long-suffering people of our land.