With Tennessee finances – and those throughout our country – adversely affected by the economic crisis, Gov.-elect Bill Haslam certainly gave some comfort to Tennessee’s state government employees when he pledged his intent not to lay off any state employee during his first year as governor.
That goal will be hard to accomplish. But, said Haslam, “What we’re first going to do is, there are a lot of unfilled positions that we probably won’t be filling.”
Many people aspire to high office, but great responsibilities – some unpleasant – go with some positions. Many people like spending. Few like taxing. Making ends meet, especially in difficult financial times, is not exactly the most glamorous part of holding high public (or private) office.
Our new governor will face tough challenges. He should be commended for addressing them positively, constructively, realistically and with humanity.