Civil Servants VS Political Appointees As Agency Heads

[Bobbieo]

Do you think the nation would be better off, today, if the majority of federal departments, agencies and bureaus were headed by civil servants who had worked their way up to the ladder and at least had a working knowledge of the functions of the agencies instead of the political appointees who are, now, named to those vital government positions?

I think the policy for political appointess as agency heads etc. took hold during the Reagan Administration

[benld74]

1. 1 Vote for Civil Servants here

Political appointees are gone with the next election. There is no accountability with them, its all about the party they represent. They feel they are untouchable with what they say and do and everyone has to bend over backwards to get them THEIR information when THEY want it.
A civil servant who works their way up through the ranks 'knows' the business from the inside out and can be better able to guide and lead through these abilities.

[Bobbieo]

2. I agree with you benld74 - Welcome To DU

[Hangingon]

3. Appointed officials

We elect the President based on his programs. Appointed agency officials in the agencies carry out the program promises made by the elected President. The career civil service - whatever their personal political philosophy - carry out the political program with in the law. The career officials are the continuity. Of course, there are tensions. Not all careerists are neutral. Not all appointees appreciate the careerists.