Opportunity in health post

By Dave Churchill (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, August 23, 2007

Faced with the need to select a new state health commissioner, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has a shining opportunity to put competence ahead of politics. He should use the opportunity to select a leader for the state Health Department who has a deep understanding of public health issues, and the experience to use that understanding for Minnesotans’ benefit.

Commissioner Dianne Mandernach will resign effective Oct. 2. Her time as commissioner has been plagued by controversy: She suppressed a report that showed unusually high cancer rates among some Iron Range miners, and she used the department’s web site to promote a flawed study that suggested unproven health risks of abortion. Although she had worked as the CEO of a rural hospital, Mandernach’s approach to public health appeared, to many, to stem more from politics than public health.

Even top-ranking state jobs are not likely to pay a highly qualified individual as well as the private sector, which makes the governor’s job of selecting a new commissioner even more difficult. But we do not doubt that there are many experienced individuals who are at a point in their private careers that would allow them to make a multi-year commitment to truly helping Minnesota residents. Finding that person might require looking beyond the ranks of ardent Pawlenty supporters, however, and we hope the governor is willing to do that.

The ability to make appointments to top offices is a privilege that comes with the governor’s job. The need to find the very best people to fill those jobs is the responsibility that comes with the privilege. We look forward, with hope, to news of the governor’s selection to fill the state health commissioner post.