Bacino deserves a chance

Mike Welch raised an important issue in his column "Better way needed to appoint NCUA Board members" (May 3), in which he clearly stated some of the shortcomings of the political patronage system. Despite its imperfections, overall the system has served Americans well. Presidential appointees who oversee federal agencies such as NCUA ensure that they are the most safe and sound in the world. Regardless of political party, Presidents have the right, if not the obligation, to place persons who support their agenda into positions of leadership. These people work for the President to advance the goals and ideals that encouraged a majority of American voters to support and elect him. While the President has the ability to select people to direct government agencies, there remains a strong system of checks and balances. For example on the NCUA Board, multiple political parties must be represented; and board members can only serve one term after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Similar limitations are in place for other federal boards that are nominated by the President and subject to Senate confirmation. It is true that the anticipated NCUA Board nominee Geoff Bacino, a Democrat, would face confirmation in a Republican-controlled Senate. However, remember that Senate Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm (R-Texas) was asking the Clinton Administration for a new NCUA Board nominee late last year and expressed his willingness to consider holding confirmation hearings. The Senate confirmation hearing would give credit union leaders throughout the country the opportunity to work with all 100 Senators, including the Senators seeking re-election in November. Credit unions would have another vehicle for showing their increasing influence in the national political process. Mr. Bacino knows credit unions, as does his family. He would join two NCUA Board members who understand how credit unions serve their members. Credit unions have been seeking new leadership since December 1993, and he may be our best opportunity for that new leadership. Mr. Bacino deserves a fair opportunity to be considered by the U.S. Senate and credit unions. David Chatfield President/CEO California Credit Union League