Choosing a Cabinet as Governor
Among the most important decisions a new governor makes is the nominations for the cabinet. As vital as technical and policy know-how are to cabinet nominees, it is the character of each nominee that is central to the decisions made by leaders in each of the many departments that will help lead Hawaiʻi.
I value integrity as the chief decision element before nominating an individual. A lifetime of demonstrating integrity in business or government service is essential. That integrity is in work, school and life.
Setting high standards of personal conduct are also of high value. A government official, whether elected or appointed, must exhibit a lifetime of conduct that is above reproach. While individual acts (perhaps many years previous) can be forgiven, recent or frequent misconduct is not acceptable. Numerous arrests, court appearances or other misconduct by individuals is not what the citizens of Hawaiʻi expect.
Simple honesty is also paramount. I expect our officials, whether dealing with me as governor, their own staff, or the public, are honest in all they do. Honesty, and its companion transparency, build confidence. We know that today many people here in Hawaiʻi do not hold politicians in high esteem. Too many transgressions have occurred and need healing, several of which have led to convictions of high officials.
Proven service, whether in government or the private sector, provides additional evidence of a prospective nominee’s likely future conduct in office. Prospective nominees must have created solid reputations in their field of schooling and work, and that often comes from their service to their organizations and the people in it. The standards I set above dovetail with this requirement.
Only when I am satisfied that the standards I set are met will I begin the process of evaluating a person’s resume. In the prospective nominee’s background, I will look for subject-area expertise, proven success, and increasing levels of responsibility. I expect that department directors, and other senior officials, will be highly focused on their departments with no outside distractions. The positions are demanding and require highly qualified and dedicated people.
I will be ready for work on day one. I am thinking of policies and personnel today without waiting for primary and election outcomes. The people of Hawaiʻi expect leadership and I am ready to provide it.
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Vote for Gary Cordery for Governor 2022
Gary Cordery is a servant leader. Hawai’i needs a governor who is willing to fight for the people: someone who honors others first, pursues the truth, and protects the liberty of all.