qualified because we said so

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

A bunch of Punatics deciding who is or isn't qualified for a professional position, arguing into cyberspace

Shut it down. JudgeTed has decided there should be no more opinions on this topic.

[VancouverIslander]

Isn't the real question whether or not she can do the job well? So far I haven't heard anyone dispute this point, which is far more important than any technicality.

edit to add: I'm not arguing that she necessarily *is* good at the job, in fact I have no idea one way or another. I just think both sides could make a good argument on this point if they did their homework.

Just call me Mike

[kjlpahoa]

Let's look at the Public Works Dept., Warren Lee is the Dept. head with an Engineering degree and is in charge of the Building Dept. (Division). He is totally incompetent to be the head of the Building Division with no experience in Building Codes. The adoption of the current Building Code was a disaster. He and his assistants, that he appointed are all incompetent with respect to Building Code application and interpretation. Yet, as an Engineer, he meets the qualifications to be head of the Dept. of Public Works. Using an Engineering degree as a qualification doesn't always get the best person.

[JohnDW]

Okay, let's set aside the apparent disregard for hiring regulations that are, I suppose, put in place to try and staunch cronyism and nepotism etc, while helping to assure that the public has qualified personnel. Now, can someone list a few of Ms. Leithead-Todd's accomplishments so we may better evaluate her competency?

Un Mojado Sin Licencia

[snorkle]

Leithead-Todd grew up in Hilo and Volcano but has roots throughout the island as her parents also lived and worked in Kona, Kohala and Hamakua and her great-grandfather was a paniolo in Puako. She graduated from Hilo High School and from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo with a bachelors degree in English literature and a minor in Hawaiian Studies. She attended the William S. Richardson School of Law, where she obtained her law degree in 1986.

Her private law practice has concentrated on family law, and Leithead-Todd also served as deputy corporation counsel for nine years, from 1987-1993 and from 2003-2007. Much of her time as deputy corporation counsel was spent advising and representing the county Planning Department.

Leithead-Todds long history of volunteer and community service includes stints as president, vice president and treasurer of the Hilo High School PTSA; president and assistant coach of the Keaukaha Canoe Club; chair of the Hawai'i County Board of Ethics; and Vice-President of the Board of the High Technology Development Corporation.

Leithead-Todd also served as the Legislative Auditor for the County and as a member of the Hawai'i County Council from 1996 to 2003. She served as director of the county Department of Environmental Management in 2007 and 2008.
(from BIC)

Let's see......Multiple degrees, Management experience with multiple County Departments(including environmental Management), Corp Council, County Council.....Volunteer service with the board of ethics, Keaukaha Canoe Club, PTSA, ...........

Who cares if she can drive a train?

[kalakoa]

Leithead-Todd also served as deputy corporation counsel for nine years

Methinks there's too many lawyers in the County government, especially for some of the "mistakes" being made.

Who cares if she can drive a train?

Depends where she drives it.

[Chunkster]

In my world "corporation counsel" is a euphemism for "one who gives legal cover for good old boy politicians who might otherwise get into trouble."

[snorkle]

Another definition of Corporation Council is someone who chooses public service over more lucrative private sector law.

They do represent us, right? The County? They provide guidance and protection to those that we put into office; and to those that serve on volunteer Boards an Commissions.

[Chunkster]

They represent politicians who need "guidance and protection" because they so frequently screw up or turn out to be dishonest. Thanks for making my point. Oh, one more thing. Private sector law is only more lucrative if you're good at it.

[snorkle]

"They represent politicians who need "guidance and protection" because they so frequently screw up or turn out to be dishonest."

Please don't expect me to believe that all, or even the majority, or even more than a few of our elected officials or volunteers are corrupt.

But hey, even the few that ARE corrupt were put in place by non other than "We The People".

I'll take a share of the blame. I vote every election. It is a great source of amusement to see people who get such great satisfaction in the pointing of fingers. It's always someone else, isn't it?