In the Federal Times write up of the federal government forecast for 2009, part of the forecast for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is as follows: “But part of Blair's challenge will be to overturn elements of the work-force culture--such as employees' reluctance to share information.”
Retired Admiral Dennis C. Blair knows from personal experience how challenging this can be. While he was at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), their conflict of interest policy included a provision that “Each Trustee is urged to consult with the Chairman of the Board if he or she has questions about the appropriateness of participating in, or voting on, any given issue.” Yet despite this policy, the Department of Defense Inspector General found: “Admiral Blair testified…he determined it was not necessary to disqualify himself from limited participation in the ICE. Further, he confirmed that he reached this decision without consulting anyone at IDA.” (emphasis POGO's)
One of the clear themes emerging from the confirmation hearings this week is that Congress wants more transparency and disclosures from the executive branch. Obviously the nature of the work Admiral Blair will be performing and managing significantly limits this, but if confirmed, we hope that Blair appreciates the need to confer with others when making decisions.
-- Mandy Smithberger
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