It’s time for grading and reviewing performance. Typically around this time of the year, students are cramming for exams or nervously waiting for their results, or are already celebrating their achievements.
As I was thinking about the plight of students somehow my thoughts lingered to other things such as elected officials. The fact is that politicians have many things in common with students. Some are highly intelligent; some are average, and some are barely scraping at the bottom hoping their exams are postponed forever.
It’s scary, but many politicians have lots in common with low performing students. Just think about it. Throughout the year, they play hooky and miss many sessions; they pull bizarre pranks to get attention; they talk out of turn during sessions; they scream and tease each other; call each other names; easily get bored and aimlessly pace the hallways; despise report cards; and continuously make dumb excuses for their actions; and even party excessively while we pay the bills.
As a society, however, we have some reasonably effective ways to motivate and influence our students. We set goals, expect a lot from them and we grade them rather mercilessly. We also seem to continuously want to elevate the standards for student performance. But, why not elevate the standards for elected officials? Why not devise a report card or an effective performance review system for these officials? After all, they work for us and we should expect better results.
Ideally, before the end of their term of office, there ought to be some swift and reliable system to hold elected officials accountable. At least some consistent ways to readily determine which ones are making the grade, or which ones are marginal or which ones are flunking and squandering our hard-earned resources.
With this in mind, a basic performance checklist was devised. The simple test, which is a work in progress, consists of ten performance categories. Of course, additional items or criteria can be applied from the latest text entitled: The Virgin Islands’’ five-year Economic Recovery Plan or from other recent audit or fiscal reports. So, here is the first version.
RATE AND COMPARE YOUR ELECTED LEADERS
This performance review focuses on substance and results. The highest overall possible score for this performance test is 100 points. The highest score for each item is ten (10). Naturally, depending on your philosophical orientation, you may want to add weight to some items more than others. That’s entirely your democratic choice or preference. (Note: No one is expected to attain a perfect score).
Item 1: GROWING THE PRIVATE SECTOR & JOB CREATION
Given the economic conditions of the territory, this should be the top concern of every elected official. Look for top performance in this area. The question is what has this politician done to improve the economic climate, to attract new businesses and to create jobs for Virgin Islanders. Has this individual worked around the clock to find new investors, reduce taxes, improve IDC, deregulate business procedures, simplify and streamline licensing procedures, and speed up the permitting process?
Has this individual introduced, sponsored and supported business-friendly legislation? Or, has this person procrastinated, stonewalled or torpedoed any economic development projects that would have created new business activity and new jobs?
Did this person oppose or derail any reasonable business projects? Did this official introduce or approve any legislation for new and unreasonable taxes? Did this person demonstrate having any clue or understanding of the concept of economic development, market systems and global competition?
Item 2: GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY & IMPROVEMENT
Our government is in a state of crisis–literally bankrupt; inefficient and rapidly headed down the tubes. Is this official working day and night to improve this aspect of the territory?
Besides talking, what has this official actually done to improve government performance? To improve quality and remove mediocrity? Attempted to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape?
Has this person applied sound management principles and analysis in finding solutions to problems? Has this official introduced or sponsored legislation to abolish or completely reform our antiquated civil service system? Did this official contribute meaningfully to the balancing of the budget? Has this official introduced or sponsored legislation to completely overhaul the Government of the Virgin Islands?
Item 3: INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
The infrastructure of this territory is in shambles and must be vastly improved to sustain economic growth and to maintain a decent quality of life for all residents and visitors. What has this official done to upgrade the infrastructure of these islands?
Did this person needlessly delay the improvements to our roads, hospitals and utility companies? Did this official support the autonomy of our hospitals? Has this person actively and consistently supported the privatization of WAPA and VITRAN, and the improvement of solid waste management facilities and every government service or activity that needs to be privatized and vastly improved?
Item 4: EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Education reform and workforce development are essential to our progress and recovery. Our people must be skilled to compete for jobs in this ever-changing and competitive new era of technology. Besides carping, grand standing and complaining, what has this official done to truly advance education or to make any significant headway for the development of our present and future workforce?
Item 5: ETHICS, DIPLOMACY, DECORUM AND CIVILITY
We are in the eyes of the world. Our officials must adhere to strict ethical behavior. Has this official consistently reflected the positive values, attitude and overall behavior that would make us proud to be Virgin Islanders? Has this official consistently exhibited lawful and ethical behavior? Is this person a politically self-serving individual? Does he or she demonstrate the integrity and leadership of a true statesman? Is this person respectful of others, especially investors, colleagues, and other public officials?
Item 6: INDUSTRIOUSNESS & PERSEVERANCE
To resolve our current crisis, the territory needs highly committed leaders that are willing to persevere and make things happen. Is this person a devoted official that works hard to find solutions to our tough problems?
Item 7: RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We are a truly diverse community. Does this official embrace the great diversity of races, cultures, and nationalities in the Virgin Islands? Is this person’s commitment to diversity reflected among their associates, advisors, office staff, and in their performance track record?
Item 8: ATTENDANCE & COMMITMENT
Our elected officials are paid relatively well. Is this official totally dedicated to their official mission and responsibilities? Is this person on a permanent vacation or tending to another job? Does this person constructively participate in key meetings, hearings and legislative sessions?
Item 9: CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND THE DISADVANTAGED
Our public policy must always address the needs of all VI’ers, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Does this official work hard to overcome root causes of poverty, mediocrity and ignorance? Does this official promote effective public policy and strategies aimed at creating opportunities and helping the unemployed to become gainfully employed. Does this person promote smart legislation to help children remain healthy, well fed and on the path to becoming self-sufficient and law-abiding adults?
Item 10: LAW & ORDER
Crime is steadily on the rise and can jeopardize our economic progress and development. Is this official tough on crime? Does this official actively support the victims of crime and work hard to improve public safety? Does this official do everything possi
ble to help eradicate the conditions that lead to vagrancy, mischief and lawlessness?
For Extra Points: Has this official demonstrated the intelligence and intestinal fortitude (guts) to put aside pettiness, partisanship, and dumb politics to do the right thing for the social and economic development of the Virgin Islands?
WORD OF CAUTION:When reviewing performance, only purposeful action and results matter. Frivolous activities such as fish fries, block parties, traditional breakfasts, pig roasts or others do not have a place in this type of review.
Activities such as fish fries, that are designed to sway public favor and sentiment, are considered devious and distracting ploys. Evaluators are cautioned not to be influenced or confused by the noise and grandstanding of certain officials.
Finally, evaluators should not be confused with the sweet-talking, handshaking and charming smiles. These gestures are appreciated; but, it’s the results that count, baby!
As to the passing score, this task is entirely left up to you. You decide who needs to get fired up, and who needs to be FIRED!
Editor's note: Carmelo Rivera, a business consultant, was the former Labor commissioner.
