First, let me say this: It is the job of the Senate to vet the nominees presented to us. It is our job to examine their qualifications and ask the question, “is this the best person for the job.†It is our job to not make our assessment based on politics or friendship, or ideology. And, in fact, I believe the Governor should have members of his cabinet that he has nominated.
HOWEVER, I will not rubber stamp a nominee if they do not meet the qualifications necessary to do the job OR if they have a conflict so large that it will prevent them from doing their job.
There’s no debate on this fact: Mary Mayhew is a well qualified advocate for the hospitals. She has done a tremendous job doing what she has been tasked to—support and advocate on behalf of the hospital association. I believe she’s keenly aware, creative, and smart.
However, I will be voting in opposition to Ms. Mayhew today for one primary reason: she has ZERO experience managing people and budgets—and, she has ZERO experience in, around, or with social services.
There is no other department in this state that is more about people than DHHS. It is our jo to make sure the person we put in charge of DHHS understands that “a budget line item†reflects more than just a dollar amount—it reflects someone’s story. We need to protect the people who don’t have lobbyists walking in our halls. As a Democrat, I will continue to fight to represent the best interest of working people and people in need.
And, I don’t believe that Ms. Mayhew is that person.
