Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Power

It is perhaps my favorite line in politics and one of my favorite lines of all time.  It came from Governor Robert Casey.  "What did you do when you had the power?"

Casey knew politicians had the juice to get things done, and he hated to see that ability wasted.  Whether or not you agreed with his politics and policies, Casey's line is a great one.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Mike Washo, who did not seek reelection this year, now has some questions about the deal essentially turning over the local AAA baseball franchise to Mandalay Entertainment and the New York Yankees.  Washo went public with his questions just weeks before leaving office, and just days before control of the team passes out of local hands.

Mandalay is the organization that presided over huge drops in attendance, and anti-fan attitudes.

What did you do when you had the power?

Washo was one of the architects of the plan he now questions.  Admittedly, the Washo plan is better than one first drafted by then-commissioner Bob Cordaro.  It still leaves a lot to be desired, and lacks some essential guarantees.

Too little, too late.

What did you do when you had the power?