D. Mele Carroll a good choice

The Maui News
Editorial
Monday, February 07, 2005

There could be a question raised when Gov. Linda Lingle, after taking 29 days to review her options, decided on the person that outgoing state Rep. Sol Kaho'ohalahala recommended as his successor. Clearly, the choice of D. Mele Carroll to take over the 13th House District seat is a good one. She has years of experience as a legislative aide in the Senate and as a liaison for Mayor Alan Arakawa. She understands how the Legislature works, not only in the formal process of making decisions, but in the underlying nitty-gritty of bargaining and lobbying to win votes for favored bills and resolutions.

That she was not able to win election to office herself is hardly a mark against her ability. In elections, it's as much who you know, or maybe how many people know you, as what you know that makes a winner.

But those who do know Mele Carroll give her high marks. Sen. J. Kalani English, who hired Carroll as an aide while he was on the County Council and kept her on as chief of staff in his office when he moved on to the Senate, graded her highly.

"This is wonderful news for the people of Molokai, Lanai, Haiku and Hana, who can look forward to the best possible representation in the state House," he said.

Mayor Alan Arakawa, who loses an executive assistant that has steered his legislative program for the past two years, still said it was a positive step for the community.

"Mele is a hard worker. She cares deeply for the County of Maui, knows its issues and will continue to work with us for the betterment of our entire community," he said.

Kaho'ohalahala said he reviewed potential candidates for his seat carefully before deciding that Carroll was the most knowledgeable person to represent the widespread district that is dealing with serious problems caused by distance, isolation and limited resources.

But for all the accolades Carroll is receiving, Lingle was not wrong to study her choices carefully before deciding on the option that was standing right in front. In appointing a successor to the vacant House seat, the governor was obligated to consider the interests of all of the voters in the district. They did not vote for Carroll to represent them, and won't have a chance to express themselves for two years.

If they were offering their comments to the governor, openly or in private, they all deserved time to do it and the governor needed time to hear them.

Copyright © 2004 The Maui News

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