Take for example, an aviation lawyer who is willing to take a pay cut to serve in government at the Transportation Department. If that person is subject to a one or two-year ban, he or she might reasonably expect to return to practicing aviation law after government service. But if there is a five-year ban, he or she might as well look for another career. Post employment restrictions generally strike a reasonable balance between attracting the best people to government service and limiting conflicts of interest, but a review of these laws and simplification where possible would help attract better people into public service. Compensation issues Part of an effective appointments process is attracting good people to government service.
Compensation is only one area that affects recruitment, but it deserves serious consideration.
While the list of problems associated with the appointments process is long, addressing even a few of them will have a beneficial effect on the process and on the climate in Washington. The general perception that people who serve in government must subject themselves to harsh treatment is perhaps the greatest problem facing the appointments process. But reform in a few areas might begin to turn around that sentiment. Implement a common electronic nominations form Simplify and harmonize the existing forms by removing redundant and unnecessary questions. Allow forms to be filed on line.