Mayor-elect Karl Dean earned a lot of support during the campaign, in my opinion, for doing something that politicians often don’t: Being specific about solving problems, most notably improving public education and public safety. Today’s City Paper editorial makes this argument and points out that this task will be that much tougher because it will mean developing strong relationships with two of the Metro government’s more independent officials, Schools Director Dr. Pedro Garcia and Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Dean’s foremost task in connecting all of these dots via public policy is to send a clear signal early in his administration about his confidence or lack thereof in the heads of both departments — Metro Schools Director Dr. Pedro Garcia and Police Chief Ronal Serpas. In a campaign season political stunt of sorts, Dean already figuratively put his arm around Serpas and said the chief was doing a good job by simply failing to echo criticisms of Serpas lodged by Dean opponent Bob Clement. Garcia remained a gray area during the campaign and still is one.

Dean’s first real job will be to send a decisive signal from the bully pulpit about where he stands on the leadership of both the police and schools. Without that signal, connecting the dots may be very difficult for Dean indeed.

Dean has admirably said that he wants to be held accountable for his performance, and some of his insiders have said that he has little political sense (which, as opposed to common sense, may be a plus for Nashville now that Dean is in office and not campaigning). I applaud Dean’s focus on public education and public safety because of their direct and tangible benefits for the community and for the indirect benefits (such as continued economic development) that this emphasis can bring, but, as the City Paper notes, Dean “has his work cut out for him.” In targeting two issues that draw an opinion and political agendas from nearly everyone, is Dean biting off more than he can chew?

I’ve returned from a fun and relaxing vacation in Cancun. A few photos from my Flickr gallery are on display at the bottom of my sidebar.