Our field biologists, COs, etc. for the most part are well trained, dedicated and educated people. An appointed bureaucrat would be wise, like the boot Lieutenant, to listen to his Gunny. Some are smart enough to do so. Others, unfortunately are not or listen more closely to their political gong. I knew the former director of Michigan DNR personally when he was our local District Manager. He was knowledgeable and astute and a very wise appointment to the Directorship. Things went well during his tenure.
If we don't get the people we want on the job, it's our responsibility to sharpen our pencils at the polls and get out and stump for what we want.
Pete