EDITOR:
In a recent letter to the editor (Oct. 7 by Jim DeJarnatt), I was called a bureaucrat because of my 35 years of experience as a public servant. I was disappointed to see the writer resort to name calling and party politics, but it got me to thinking about what a bureaucrat is. So, in my best Jeff Foxworthy impression:
.If you think county contracts should be awarded based on qualifications and cost instead of political connections, you might be a bureaucrat.
.If you think county employees should be hired based on qualifications instead of who they know or are related to, you might be a bureaucrat.
.If you think public input should guide policy and decision-making instead of party politics, you might be a bureaucrat.
.If you think government discussions should be open and transparent instead of “behind the scenes,” you might be a bureaucrat.
.If you know how to analyze and modify government operations for optimal efficiency and effectiveness, you might be a bureaucrat.
Okay, not funny like Jeff Foxworthy, but you get my point.
During my career I developed positive relationships with elected and appointed officials at the national, state, and local levels. I analyzed and streamlined programs to better serve constituents while lowering costs. Programs in other departments were moved to my department so they could be improved. Call me a bureaucrat or whatever name you like. It does not change the fact that we need a positive change in Platte County, and I know how to get it done.
–David Park
Platte County Commission