The Associated Press reports that outgoing MA Gov. Mitt Romney has appointed Aaron D'Elia, a state budget director with no formal scientific background, to be executive director of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, an agency created by the legislature to distribute state funding for stem cell research.
TMP Cafe notes that in selecting D'Elia, Romney is signalling that he prefers idelogical compatriotism over expertise, pandering to social conservatives in the lead up to his planned 2008 presidential run.
University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson voted against the appointment, saying it was made without a search. The UMass president said during an interview with The Associated Press, "I also feel that when we select leadership for an organization like this that we should use professional procedures, that we should have searches and that we should hire the best available person." Asked whether Romney was seeking an ideological compatriot in D'Elia, Wilson said: "All I can say is that I think that Gov.-elect Patrick really wants to make sure that there is openness for research in stem cells."
Democratic Gov. elect Deval Patrick, during a news conference at UMass-Amherst, noted that Romney had rescinded lame-duck appointments made by his predecessor, acting Gov. Jane Swift, a fellow Republican. "I can't ask the governor to shut down the government between the time of election and the time of my inauguration, but the fact of the matter is in the case of some appointments, he is making decisions that are of a long-term nature when he is, in effect, a lame duck governor," Patrick said. "And it's the very behavior he criticized, in his predecessor, as he was taking office, so it's frustrating to me." Patrick also indicated he was concerned D'Elia would share Romney's opposition to research beyond that on existing stem cell lines. Patrick sees embryonic stem cell research and biotechnology as key to the state's economic future.
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Sounds like Romney hates science. I think it was very insightful of you to use the words, "declares war on scienc". That was not an overstatment or anything... It shows that you are a resonable, unpartisan observer, and seaker of truth...
Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney on Science Education
Massachusetts has a choice. We can provide our kids with a first-rate science education today or we can learn to live with a second-rate economy tomorrow.
2003
Massachusetts is home to cutting-edge research and industries. Companies locate and stay here to tap into an unparalleled R&D sector supported by nearly 120 colleges and universities, the highest concentration of academic institutions in the world.
Governor Mitt Romney, 08-12-2003 Press Release
2004
Massachusetts has some of the best schools and teachers in the nation, Romney said, speaking tonight from the historic House Chamber at the State House. Education reform, adopted a decade ago, raised standards and closed funding gaps. But it was the first step, not the last. Let us now take every step, to prepare every child, for an ever more competitive future.
Governor Mitt Romney, 01-15-2004 Press Release
2005
Were making progress, theres no doubt about it, but we have more work to do. These test scores reflect the hard work and creativity of our students, teachers and schools, but they also reveal that some are still struggling. It is increasingly critical that we advance bold reforms to ensure greater accountability and performance in every classroom.
Governor Mitt Romney, 10-19-2005 Press Release
Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation. Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication.
Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release
Massachusetts has a choice. We can provide our kids with a first-rate science education today or we can learn to live with a second-rate economy tomorrow.
Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release
Todays students are tomorrows scientists and engineers. We need to ask ourselves whether our students are being given the tools to preserve the states workforce advantage and thrive in tomorrows science based economy.
Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release
When a school is labeled as chronically underperforming, thats not a punishment but a signal that extra assistance is needed. Lets do our part and do it swiftly and efficiently to make sure student achievement doesnt suffer.
Governor Mitt Romney, 01-25-2005 Press Release
Just as science can free the innocent, it can also identify the guilty.
Governor Mitt Romney, 04-28-2005 Press Release
"Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation. Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication.
Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release
Given the demands of todays global economy, it is more important than ever before that our students leave our schools with a solid education in both math and science. We are lucky to have such skilled educators in our classrooms.
Governor Mitt Romney, 11-07-2005 Press Release
How does a bunch of quotes compare to his actual actions?
Mitt Romney has appointed a former budget director *to distribute funds for stem cell research.* Note that he will be *distributing funds*. You'd think proponents of stem cell research would be happy about this, but alas, it seems they will go to any length and twist themselves into pretzels to bash republicans. What is the problem, exactly? Why is a former budget director politically incorrect for this job??
Romney's actions resonate with stem cell proponents because they can easily be interpreted as placing in charge an ideologue rather than an impartial administrator with expertise and experience. This is a great example of the public accountability frame activating public attention and concern over science policy. Did Romney follow appropriate procedures in finding and appointing the best qualified for the position, or did he instead follow narrowly his ideology and desire to appease social conservatives nationally?