Sledd to serve as Senior Economic Advisor
Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Robert Sledd will serve his administration as a Senior Economic Advisor, an upaid senior-level position. McDonnell announced that Jim Cheng would serve as Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
McDonnell Press Release: Governor Bob McDonnell’s Cabinet Sworn-In
McDonnell and Sledd had been criticized because Sledd wished to retain his position on three corporate boards.
Problem solved.
Photo: Lindy Keast Rodman/Richmond Times Dispatch
Category: Campaigns and Elections, Government
Loading ...
In all due respect to the Governor, this is not appropriate either. Any economic development deal that involves incentives or help in attracting a firm must be free of encumbrances like the halo of special treatment. This is a fine line, but if Sledd recommends money from the Governor’s opportunity fund without disclosing the connection to his other business relationships, it will be a conflict of interest. Those who serve on the VEDP must fine financial disclosure forms and update them regularly, but they are advisory to the staff, and potential conflicts can be countered. Put him on the VEDP and avoid the taint.
In a sense, the best thing that McDonnell and his new team can do is get out of the way. As this recession ends, growth will occur; the last thing we need is more tax credits to spur growth that will occur anyway. Yes, increase the Opportunity Fund that the republicans in the House cut dramaticaly for the last Governor, and create an incentive fund for headquarters, but Virginians don’t need to buy new jobs from company relocations that are incentive driven. You have VEDP and the regional economic development programs, as well as city/county programs that are innovative and capable; 80% of economic development comes from growth and expansion of existing businesses. Then, fix roads and schools, that is what businesses need. That is, access to markets, and access to a trained and disciplined work force. Frankly, salesmanship is highly over rated. Do the things that keep Virginia as the best state to do business for the last four years and things will be fine. MJB sends!
What taint is there in an uppaid, advisory position? Were he on the VEDP, he would still have to recuse himself in matters concerning the boards on which he sits as a member.
I knew the McDonnell team would fix this. They haven’t made many mistakes in the last couple of years. This was the most serious. After they saw brazening it out wasn’t going to work, they did the smart thing.
Taint? Well, to be honest, the first time the Governor awards a grant to a firm recruited by the efforts of Mr. Sledd, the attention will be shifted toward finding any connection with the firms on whose corporate boards he sits. Frankly, again, in these competitions, the main objective is to stay on the list, and unwanted scrutiny is the best way to slip to the bottom, or get off the list.