While most of the media is fixated on the top-level cabinet positions in a new administration, playing the DC guessing game of “who’ll be the Secretary of whatever,” there are thousands of posts critical to operating – and reforming – the federal government waiting to be filled.
And make no mistake, these positions will be filled. The only question is if they will be filled with individuals wanting to drain the swamp, or further infest it.
Herbert E. Meyer, an official from the Reagan Administration, wrote back in 2007 about the importance of filling government posts with the right kind of people:
“Back in the Reagan Administration, we had a saying that always drew sneers from the press and from the Washington establishment: ‘Personnel is policy.’ What we meant, of course, is that to execute the President’s policies it was necessary to hire officials who supported these policies, and who would work to achieve the President’s objectives rather than to undermine them.”
A new federal administration is always going to need those individuals with interests in certain jobs, or expertise in certain areas, willing to leave the private sector and serve their fellow Americans. While there is no shortage of folks wanting to be ambassadors to pleasant tropical island nations, it’s harder to find those willing to dig into jobs without sexy titles but that can reform government. Harder, and more important.
Anyone who has the desire, and skills, to practically reform government from the inside needs to apply online through the official transition website (And be sure to let us know if you do!)
Reagan was right that “I’m from the government and I’m here to help” might be the nine scariest words in the English language. But the general election proved Americans recognize our government is in need of citizens willing to go in and clean up the scary mess that is our nation’s capitol.
