Say what?
According to a S-A story by Derrick DePledge:
Donalyn Dela Cruz, Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s spokeswoman, is writing and producing a new Hawaii travelogue show.
Maybe it’s just me, but I would think that anyone being paid $70,000 in public funds for a high-level position in the governor’s administration would have a very full plate without trying to do moonlight in another essentially full-time job of “writing and producing” a regular television program.
I keep hearing rumblings that the governor’s office is significantly understaffed compared to those of his predecessors. Maybe, but Dela Cruz seems to have enough time on her hands to take on another demanding job.
Then, of course, there are questions of potential conflicts. Hawaiian Airlines, Starwood Hotels, and the Chamber of Commerce were identified among the sponsors of the new program, all with significant issues that rise to the governor’s level. Questions about apparent conflicts would seem to flow naturally from the awkward position Dela Cruz is putting herself in.
And how about Gov. Abercrombie’s latest move, a formal request to members of key boards and commissions to resign in order to let him pack the boards with his own appointees.
This seems like an ill-considered move and a dangerous precedent. Overlapping terms are there precisely to provide continuity, and to prevent wholesale political upheavals every time the administration changes. Had Duke Aiona been elected, I’m sure Neil and his many supporters would rightly be opposing any similar GOP move. Does he really want to open this door for future administrations? I doubt it.
Bottom line: I hope most of those appointees receiving these letters asking for their resignations will file them in the nearest wastebasket. Thanks, but no thanks.
Meanwhile, I’m becoming more worried about what the governor’s “new day” might mean.
From Governor Abercrombie’s web site:
In the coming weeks and months, you will hear of more partnerships and initiatives to move toward the New Day plan—educational excellence, energy independence and a sustainable economy.
My administration is ready and moving; our community partners are ready, and the people of Hawaii are ready to bring positive change. There is no doubt in my mind that, together, Hawai’i is on the way to a New Day.
I think many who voted for the governor expected “community partners” to mean communities themselves being given meaningful roles in determining their own futures. Now many are worried that community organizations, especially progressive ones, are being bypassed as the administration cuts deals with corporate developers and other special interests that the rest of us will not hear about until it’s too late for meaningful community input.
I talked to several activist this week who are deeply frustrated with the administration. One said they had been trying to contact the governor’s office on an issue of mutual concern and public interest, but had not even gotten the courtesy of an acknowledgement of phone messages or emails, much less a place at the table.
Another person expressed fear the administration is slighting its community allies while catering to corporate interests, perhaps driven by budgetary and economic concerns. There’s worry the governor’s desire to move quickly and sweep away bureaucratic impediments to quick action will really mean sacrificing environmental protections along with inclusive planning and decision-making.
Still another said the governor’s staff are very good at communicating his messages to the public, but don’t show the same skill at listening to constituents and communities.
These concerns are growing among those who were strong campaign supporters who cheered Gov. Abercrombie’s election. As one person told me: “People are asking me, ‘WTF is up with Neil?’”
I’m hoping the administration can pull it together and demonstrate that these concerns are misplaced. I just wish I were more confident this will happen.
Do you read the Warrior Beat, a very popular blog on the S-A website?
Bloggers there are talking about NA being a one-term governor.
They are especially concerned about his plans for the Pro Bowl and Aloha Stadium.
Build a SMALLER stadium in Kapolei? Over our dead body!
Personally, I regret voting for him. Bring back Mufi, who understands sports.
I recall your advocacy for another candidate. I must be mistaken.
It’s no surprise that people writing on a sports blog would be opposed to Neil’s views on the Pro Bowl. They don’t have to make the cuts to social services that Neil has had to make. 4 million dollars is enough to fund a lot of programs that protect our most vulnerable citizens who have nothing.
Imagine if you had to make those kind of choices.
I voted for Mufi in the primary and for Neil in the general.
If Mufi runs for governor again, he will win in a landslide!
You have expressed well the concerns many folks are feeling. “My way or the highway” redux.
And yes, it is ridiculous for Dela Cruz to suggest she needs the second job “to make ends meet” while drawing down $70k from the tax trough. That sort of egregious double dipping is reserved for Nestor Garcia.
Appointees with the City government are not allowed to have an outside job. It’s a policy every mayor has had.
We find it interesting that it’s appears to be different in the State administration.
If a person can’t afford to work for the state, they shouldn’t.
If they do, they owe it to the taxpayers and the boss to give 100%.
If there’s not enough work to keep her busy maybe the position isn’t needed.
Abercrombie has become a huge disappointment.
Hope it’s just a phase he’s going through.
Honolu Notes
http://www.honolulunotes.com
I worked at the State and the County of Maui as a political appointee for ten years from 1995-2005. While I did not practice law during my tenure, I do know at least one appointee (not a director or deputy director of a department) in the County was allowed to practice but I don’t know the specifics that went into that decision by either the Mayor, the individual or the County ethics and Corp. Counsel who apparently sanctioned allowing the outside activity.
Our governor made time to listen to community members discussing Kawainui marsh last night, arriving after 7 pm at the end of a long day, at the end of a long week.
He spoke from the heart, as he always does. It was a small group, and all were surprised and delighted at his appearance. I’m sure nobody will read about it in the paper because there were no reporters there. The experience was unforgettable for the 60-70 people in the room. He was gracious and eloquent. I for one will always be grateful that he took the time to come to this event.
I know I see only a small part of the situation, but what I see is a man doing the best he can, working truly nonstop for the people. He still has the strength of values, mind, and heart that he was elected for. The work has not gotten any easier but I for one give him immense credit.
I know in my na’au that there was no other candidate who could have done as well. The current fashion of cynicism and disrespect seems like urging a lifeguard to go into 20′ surf to save others, and then mocking him for doing so.
If anyone who reads this blog has a direct line of communication to the governor, please suggest the following to him — sit down with some smart people (pull a few more in if you have to) and round table ideas such as telling board members and commissioners to resign statewide.
And even if you decide this is a good thing to do (over the advice of the people you just added to your circle) — convene a press conference to let the citizens know what you are doing so they don’t think you have lost your mind and they don’t think your administration is arrogant in addition to being incompetent.
I post sports-connected political issues on The Warrior Beat blog and provide a wide range of information about everything from the Stadium Authority to the legislative process.
In fact, I have closely tracked the Stadium Authority and attended their monthly meetings on average about eight times a year since Waihee’s last two years as Governor.
I’ve met most of the regular Warrior Beat bloggers at a wide variety of social events as well as at UH and high school sports activities & events.
Most of them graduated from local high schools and attended UH. They are actively involved in their communities as well as strong supporters of collegiate sports – including women’s sports.
I also head a non-profit which works closely on a number of Kawainui Marsh issues.
A third area in which I am involved is working with a wide range of individuals and social justice organizations – both public & private – providing services for homelessness and at-risk individuals & families both in Windward O`ahu/North Shore areas and in the urban core. My primary focus is on education, workforce housing & employment opportunities.
I am also a (minor) Democratic Party officer and sit on both O`ahu County and State Central Committees.
In addition, I helped establish what is now known as the Progressive Democratics and the official Environmental Caucus of the State Democratic Party.
I have known Neil for decades and served on his campaign committees right up through 1990 and then last year.
Frankly, I am profoundly disappointed with his performance so far. Like the individual mentioned above who has tried to reach key people on his administrative staff, I too have run into a dead end in trying to talk to them.
Between the middle of December, 2010, and the end of May, I initiated nearly 40 contacts with the Fifth Floor & Fourth Floor executive offices to talk about a wide range of issues including homelessness, sustainable economic development, education, and appointees to various boards/commissions/authorities. I received just one phone call back from an individual who said that he was too busy to talk and never called back again.
If he treats those of us who stand in the left wing of the Democratic Party, I wonder what it must be like to never have met him nor worked with him over the years.
For what it’s worth, I attended this morning’s (6-18) Neighborhood Board Installation Ceremony and accompanying Sunshine Law training at Honolulu Hale. Afterwards, while gathered with other board members from across the island eating pupus and sipping fruit punch, I came away with the general consensus that our Governor has failed to send representatives to attend the 36 various monthly neighborhood board meetings on his behalf. I also learned that formal letters have been written to the Governor’s staff by different boards asking for regular representation at monthly meetings and that the general response has been that they are “under-staffed”.
Say what you want about Lingle and her administration, but from day one she had consistent representation at neighborhood board meetings across the island during her eight-years in office—or at least made an attempt to do so.
In response to the premise of Ian’s original blog posting: “… WTF is up with Neil?”
I’m left with the impression Gov. Abercrombie either doesn’t care, doesn’t know what he’s doing, or both.
Is Abercrombie pulling an “Obama”? Promise one thing in campaigning but actions are counter?
I am really concerned that the ‘public’ is not cognizant of the level – very LOW levels of employment in the Executive Office….there appears to not be enough people to do the job that the populace has expected. There also appears to be a complete disconnect with the application of cost-cutting measures and what that looks like on the ground. This surely has been aided by the loss of journalists – and the merging of TV coverage. Wake up, blogging doesn’t get you all the news you need….
I am less concerned about the amount of paid staff in the executive office (it is apparent Ms. Dela Cruz has lots of extra time) then I am about the “mind set” of the decision-making.
Some of these commissions have quasi-judicial functions. There must be many hearings and decisions pending. Do they just drop everything and tell the constituents that are in front of them that they will all have to wait and start the process again?
Without a press conference it would be hard to get answers. I suppose the various commissioners could convene to discuss what to do next with their agendas. Solidarity of purpose could come from the various commissions. But what do we gain from this — commissions that are now publicly at odds with the governor? Some repair needs to be done. I will hold out hope that there will be some lessons learned and changes in the decision-making that comes out of the governor’s office.
Frankly, it is time to move past the “new day” campaign thing and the cries of “dysfunctional” government caused by the old regime. The game is on and the clock is ticking.
In this economy, which looks like a semi-permanent state, government has to call on the public sector for help. Abercrombie’s search for corporate partners seems like the most logical ‘next step’ in helping government meet public expectations. If the governor is successful, we should all stand and salute the effort.
I’ve also experienced what I think is administrative snubbing trying to get to see either the gov or a staff person.
I filled out the web form for an audience with the gov, but that didn’t work. So I faxed the same info. No response for a couple of weeks, meanwhile time passes, deadlines approach… so I went up to the 5th floor and asked if they got my fax (I do have the receipt that it was received, but you never know with a fax). No, I was told by the receptionist, they have no record of a fax from me. So I asked if I could make the request right there, while I was in the office. “Sure.” So I left my name, phone #, and what I wanted to talk about. The previous communications had included background and details, but I just made this request simple.
No reply.
I did finally get to speak to a staff member, but only with extraordinary effort, I won’t detail that here. It was a couple of months after my original request.
While at the Capitol one day I met someone also waiting in vain for a reply. I suggested that he check by going upstairs. He did, and was also told that there was no record of his request. He left his name. No response.
When I finally did get an audience, I invited him along, we had basically the same issue. Had I not done that, I’ll bet he’d still be waiting. And he was one of the few really knowledgeable people in Hawaii on the topic.
I think this experience must not be unusual. There was at least one letter to the editor in the paper with a similar story.
On the other hand, all these communication issues should not erase the good things that Abercrombie has done. For example, he immediately ended Furlough Fridays in the schools, and he invited the parents who demanded to speak with Lingle to his press conference. Lingle, if you remember, would not speak with parents and instead had them arrested. Abercrombie has provided badly needed funding for Kupuna Care. While some may argue with raiding special funds, if social services are chopped to the point where people are hospitalized, it costs the state more in the end.
The gov also signed the civil unions bill into law. There is probably a good sized list of what he has done right.
Hawaii’s budget problems are larger than happy beach goers realize. We are in hot water. Switching metaphors, no one is likely to like the taste of the necessary medicine.
So let’s not be too hasty in declaring Abercrombie a one-term governor. The other choices would probably not have acted as well as he has already. Voters soundly rejected what they stood for. I think Neil is amply repaying the trust we have in him, even if I personally don’t agree with some of his decisions or actions.
On the resignations of boards and commissions, I disagree for the reasons of continuity that have been mentioned, for example. On the other hand, Lingle not only tightly controlled certain boards but handicapped the ones she could not control by stacking them with compliant appointees. The Legislature even passed a law guaranteeing independence of boards giving testimony to the lege. That was necessitated by the overt control exerted by Lingle over those boards. So I have a bit of sympathy for replacing those who are merely political appointees put there to assure that the will of a dictatorial governor was fulfilled. On the other hand, we don’t need to replace them with new political actors. We’ll have to see how this plays out. For sure, Abercrombie might have better communicated his intent with these resignation letters. Not to the current appointees, I mean to the public.
The criticism he’s getting only multiplies and feeds on itself. If we want a balanced view of him, though, we need to take note also of his accomplishments.
Thanks Larry, well said.
After I posted that comment I realized that I better add to my remarks on Lingle appointees.
For one thing, I am a Lingle appointee to the State Rehabilitation Council. If she were purely political, why would she appoint a rabid liberal like me? On the other hand, the SRC was handicapped by a lack of appointees, a great way to prevent the council from having a quorum and so disabling it totally.
When she did make appointments to the SRC, they were good choices. Probably, they were also the only ones who applied, who knows. But the SRC does not make critical policy decisions.
I think most readers will know about her appointments to the UH Regents. Also, her appointments to the BOE were disruptive, for example, Laura Thielen constantly pushing for radical reform.
Now, afterthought, Abercrombie has appointed a BOE which stands out for its lack of pedagogical credentials. We’ll have to see how that plays out also.
Being fair and balanced in my comments isn’t easy! I’m trying.
My gut tell me one thing, my mind tells my gut to shut up for once.
For a complete list of the boards & commissions, click http://hawaii.gov/gov/about/BC_List.pdf
For information about applying for one of them, click http://hawaii.gov/gov/about/boards-commissions.html
I want to be careful what tone I am using here. Whatever Abercrombie’s perceived sins, given the budgetary crisis the state is facing, at this same point in time, had THEY been elected instead, I have little doubt we would all be excoriating Mufi or Aiona AT LEAST as much as we are currently doing with Neil.
I have criticized Neil often in online forums. But I have also spent time trying to explain to people how understaffed the Governor’s Office truly is. As I understand it, Lingle had more than twice as many paid employees in her office during her first years, at a time when the challenges facing the Office were MUCH less challenging.
I have talked with and listened to Neil’s top people in both his campaign operation and his Office. One of their repeated arguments has been that the public is unaware of everything the Governor has already accomplished or the depth’s of the state’s fiscal crisis.
So they say the problems has been mostly one of “communication” in response to my concerns about “bad policy.”
Given this argument, I find it more than a bit disconcerting to read of Donalyn Dela Cruz’s decision to devote a significant part of her work schedule to producing “a new Hawaii travelogue show.” I call this “Dela Cruz’s decision,” but I doubt she could make this decision without the OK of her boss.
If Dela Cruz needs more work to keep her busy in her regular job, let me suggest, she could provide the media with the exact count of employee’s in the Governor’s Office six months into the Lingle administration compared to today’s numbers.
I have described the performance of the Abercrombie administration in various places as “stumbling and fumbling.” I would hate to add “bumbling” to the list. There is time to turn this around. But they have to set aside their defensiveness to criticism. And resist the temptation to “retreating” to an offensive strategy. When Neil was asked by Chad Blair about how he was going to “counter” the AARP’s opposition to his proposal to pass a tax on pensions, he responded : “I’m not going to counter them, I am going to roll over them.”
In that statement, I think Neil displayed a strong tendency he has– a tendency he has to resist. He has to “listen to his better angels.” Not because the issues are not important. Not because some of those opposing him are wrong. But BECAUSE he can unite he same majority who voted for him IF he listens to our deepfelt concerns and incorporates what is valid in our concerns into his policies.
There is a Buddhist saying I sometimes reflect upon:
“There is not much time. We must move very slowly.”
There must be an equivalent saying which suggests the matters under discussion are so important that we must resist the desire to attempt to force our will upon the circumstances.
Thank you.
A very reasoned view of the situation.
I appreciate it.
Where’s the “Like” button?
I sincerely suspect that the pressure of his job and listening to his wife’s opinions has caused the Gov to have a mental breakdown.
The majority voted for Abercrombie, but the next morning it seems that we have woken up with Mufi in our beds.
All the things that voters reacted against in Mufi — the disorganization, the micromanagement, the cramming through of unwanted policies, the personalization of issues, the bullying — is now manifested by Neil.
Voters no longer vote for things. They vote against things. But then they get those things anyway.
That is, one of the ironies of contemporary political life is that people generally don’t have political beliefs and they vote accordingly — but politicians have not figured that out.
In the BBC documentary “The Power of Nightmares”, it is explained that people are afraid of terrorists not because of the threat of violence, since violence is ubiquitous anyway. Rather, what scares people today is the idea that there are people in the world who actually have political beliefs. This is also why the neo-conservative movement of the 2000s scared people. The neo-cons had ideas and beliefs.
That’s what makes Generation X — generally, people born between 1961 and 1981 — the mystery that it is. They have no clear beliefs or identity. That’s also a part of the Obama mystery: deep down there is only this talent and cleverness and showmanship, but no real beliefs or rootedness. (Obama was born in 1961.)
Nowadays, people vote for the least “fanatical” candidate. If a master politician like George W. Bush can successfully portray wealthy, elite Congressmen like Al Gore and John Kerry as lefty fringe subversives, then he can become President despite his own total lack of any proper credentials.
But what is strange is that once elected, someone like George W. Bush will claim that his election constitutes a mandate to push through a sweeping agenda that alienates most voters. In fact, someone like Bush should have known why people voted for him: his appeal was that he would do nothing. (Eisenhower understood this appeal, and that is why he did so many photo ops out on the golf course, as if all was well in the world and he had nothing better to do, even though in reality he was as intense a man as they come, and the world was on the brink.)
What is even weirder is that to a certain extent the agenda that the newly elected executive imposes was not only largely a carefully hidden agenda that the leadership assumes the people knew about (“That’s why they voted for me”, he now thinks), but much of the agenda spontaneously develops after the election. That is, the flush and excitement of the victory actually serve to create much of the agenda that voters were not told about.
So the slogan “A New Day” is, to the voters, just a slogan. They did not vote for any agenda. Rather, in their minds they voted AGAINST some kook who seemed to have a secret sweeping agenda (Gore, Kerry, Hannemann). But once in power, the new guy morphs into something like what they voted against — a kook with an agenda.