Jim Granato, Professor and Director of the UH Hobby Center for Public Policy
Does it seem to you that government cannot get much right? A good deal of the news we hear or read about is pretty negative.
But, there are examples of government getting it right and in stunning fashion.
We need look no farther than right here, in Harris County, in the summer of 2010.
On Aug. 27, 2010 fire destroyed all voting equipment for the upcoming fall election. Early voting was starting in six weeks. There were numerous challenges in acquiring replacement equipment sufficient to conduct a fair election. Not the least of which was the fact that new machines could not be produced in sufficient numbers.
But, in the end, sufficient equipment was found, election standards were maintained, and the election was conducted without any semblance that the fire in August had any ill effects.
In the video you will see the entire story: http://www.youtube.com/user/HarrisCountyAttorney
While there were many individuals who made this all possible for us, no one stands out more than the person in charge: Beverly Kaufman. As Harris County Clerk, it was her responsibility to correct the problem and make things right. Now retired, Ms. Kaufman summed up the situation and her role in it by recalling an old World War II poster in England during the blitz, which urged all to “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
There are certainly many stories of government leaders in Houston and surrounding counties showing Poise Under Pressure that may not make the news. Watch this space for their stories in coming blogs.