We receive anonymous tips, and sometimes anonymous questions:
In light of the most recent scandal involving the corrupt insurance commissioner, wouldn’t it be more topical to ask whether the Delaware IC should be appointed rather than elected? The majority of voters have no clue what an IC does, how important that office is for our state, and that a qualified person of integrity should run it rather than people off the street because the voters can’t verify their backgrounds or track records if any. Thank you.
I completely agree. In fact, I never understand why the Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and the county Row offices (i.e. Sherriff, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills) are elected. I can see why the Auditor and the Attorney General are elected (although I would argue the Governor should be able to appoint them as well), so as to provide some check to the Governor.
The truth of it is these offices form the proving ground or bench for future candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor, which is why they are elected rather than appointed. Still, I think the offices of Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner are close enough to the essential functions of an administration (i.e. crafting a budget and regulating an industry) that those two offices should be appointed. And these offices are important enough that we need skilled officials running them (no offense at all to Chip Flowers).
Your thoughts?