Wanted: leadership

Leadership, particularly strong leadership is desperately missing. 

We can't turn a page in the local newspaper (the few that remain), turn on a radio or television, or open a website without confronting commentary and opinions about a myriad issues.  Of course, in the information age, the sources for the issues are virtually limitless.  But one source is especially troublesome: malfeasance by government officials, both elected members and non-elected staff, and other public officials.  (Other public officials include individuals in public education and government agencies at any level.)  

For the purpose of this blog, I expand the Dictionary.com definition of malfeasance, “the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law; wrongdoing (used especially of an act in violation of a public trust)," to include “actions or behavior by elected and other public officials that demeans individuals or groups; attempt to limit the freedoms, enumerated in the Constitution, of individuals or groups; and/or serve a personal interest of or seek to enhance or otherwise enrich, the elected or other public officials.”   

With this working definition in mind, the electorate and public have a right to expect strong, unwavering leadership from government officials, both elected members and non-elected staff, and other public officials.  I contend that strong leadership in support of public service for the good of the public is missing.  Otherwise, it is unlikely either the rash of examples of malfeasance or inexcusable reactions when caught out would occur.

Strong leadership would stress, teach, model, and require subordination of personal avarice to what is best for the public.  Strong leadership would stress, teach, model, and require the preservation of our Constitutional freedoms.  Strong leadership would stress, teach, model, and require adherence the highest of ethical standards and unmatched integrity.  Strong leadership would also quickly and swiftly hold accountable in no uncertain terms those government officials, both elected members and non-elected staff, and other public officials who violate law, ethics, integrity, or expectations.  

Strong leadership would ensure government officials, both elected members and non-elected staff, and other public officials do not unduly enrich themselves by virtue of public service.

Strong leadership would ensure the actions of government are transparent, with due respect provided all points of view.

Strong, effective leadership, unlike what is experienced today in far too many elements of the growing government bureaucracies and public sector organizations, will demand much of itself and those with whom they serve.

Sadly, disappointedly, what some refer to as leadership by government officials, both elected members and non-elected staff, and other public officials is nothing more than self promotion and enrichment, with little to no care for the public they ostensibly serve.