Speed Gibson

Same as the Old Boss?

[Attorney General Elect Lori] Swanson said Thursday that she has asked fellow DFLer Hatch to consider serving as a regular assistant attorney in the office.

Perhaps he would have special responsibilities for assembling a team of lawyers who handle particularly complex litigation, she said.

Hatch is an "incredibly talented" and "phenomenal" attorney, Swanson said, "and when you have a team, you look for all the talent you can find."

-- Minneapolis Star Tribune 07-Dec-2006

This is a first-order management mistake for a new leader. It confuses your subordinates and customers alike as to who's in charge, making you look weak. In the case of Mike Hatch, it's worse, given his fiery, vindictive record, both personal and professional.

There is no need for this, regardless of Mr. Hatch's presumed abilities. As Charles DeGaulle observed, "the graveyards are full of indispensable men." I would further add that Hatch's record was clearly not exemplary, particularly in the area of criminal law enforcement.

This also begs a moral question for Swanson: if you weren't up to the job, why did you run? You worked many years in the department, enough time to know what's expected. You presented yourself as competent before the voters, only to now suggest - maybe not?

If Swanson is feeling overwhelmed, I have a better idea for her. Why not offer the deputy job to, say, Jeff Johnson whom you defeated? His passion is criminal law enforcement; yours appears to continue being consumer protection. Working together would raise the performance of this office to a new high.