Because, sooner or later, some elected official will underestimate the difficulty of managing a large public-sector organization on which people depend. Or overestimate the ability of a personal friend, relative or political backer to run such an agency. The politicians never learn. The checks aren't mailed. The trains run late.
Potholes go unfilled.
And more often than not, the political appointee gets caught with his or her hand in the jar. Or lifting the lid so another friend can grab a macaroon. These are the pros, the governmental firemen, the bureaucratic relief pitchers. This summer two of the best have gracefully slipped away after deftly righting a pair of high-profile agencies that had spun out of control. Julian D'Esposito Jr. has stepped down as chairman of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority so Gov. George Ryan could appoint his own chairman.