THE GOVERNOR AS INNOVATOR IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM

In: Publius: the journal of federalism, Band 18, Heft 3, S. 131-152

Abstract

UNTIL RECENT DECADES, GOVERNORS SEEKING TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP OFTEN DID SO DESPITE BEING HANDICAPPED BY INADEQUATE INSTITUTIONAL POWERS, LEAVING THEM TO THEIR OWN PERSONAL SKILLS. RECENT REFORMS HAVE NOW PROVIDED MANY GOVERNORS WITH GREATER INSTITUTIONAL POWERS, INCLUDING MORE TENURE POTENTIAL, ENHANCEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, A STRONGER BUDGET CAPACITY, AND THE RISE OF POLICY AND PLANNING OFFICES LOCATED IN OR CLOSE TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE. MOST IMPORTANT, GOVERNORS ARE MORE AGGRESSIVE IN SEEKING ANSWERS TO POLICY ISSUES BOTH WITHIN THEIR OWN STATES AND IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER GOVERNORS. THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ASSIST GOVERNORS IN DEALING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND WITH STATE PROBLEMS. RECENT NGA EFFORTS IN THE AREAS OF EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MAY PRESAGE AN EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE AS GOVERNORS ADDRESS MAJOR ISSUES JOINTLY.