Absent leadership

[resqgeek]

There's a quote from South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford that's all over the news today, but I'm having some difficulty swallowing it. In yesterday's press conference explaining his 5 day absence from the state and apologizing for an extra-marital affair, the Governor said "The bottom line is this: I have been unfaithful to my wife." Excuse me? As despicable as the infidelity is, I don't think its the bottom line on this incident. As Governor, Sanford is the chief executive of the South Carolina state government. To disappear for five days without telling anyone where he was going, or providing any means for anyone to contact him represents a gross dereliction of duty. His responsibility to the governance of the state dictates that he be available to address any emergencies or other issues that might arise. To be out of contact with his staff and other representatives of the state government for five days seriously impairs the ability of the state to respond, and is absolutely inexcusable. That is the bottom line, Governor.

Comments

[miketroll.livejournal.com]

You're right. That is the bottom line and his conduct is inexcusable. At the same time, he's such a dork that the business of the state government probably functioned better without him around! I wonder if anybody at operational level even noticed his absence?

[resqgeek]

The political leadership typically has little impact on the day-to-day business of the career employees in the government. In general, the political leadership sets policy and determines priorities, so in that sense, a five day absence is probably not critical. However, in the event of an emergency, the responsibility for coordinating the response falls to the elected leadership. This is the real reason his absence was inexcusable, IMO. The inability to make contact with him would have severely handicapped the ability of the state government to properly respond had an emergency arisen during his absence.

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

My understanding is that that is not the case, that he is, in fact, a serious policy wonk.