Protecting Public Service: The Risks of Political Patronage in Ranson
‘Unitary executive’ a justification for corruption
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, April 3, 2025
By Staff
In a recent piece for The Shepherdstown Chronicle, John Doyle critiques the 'unitary executive' theory advocated by prominent figures like Donald Trump and Patrick Morrisey, emphasizing its potential for fostering political corruption in public service. This theory, which proposes that the executive has absolute control over hiring and firing within the executive branch, echoes the discredited 'spoils' system behind the original civil service protections. Doyle warns that proposed changes to civil service rules could undermine essential public services in towns like Charles Town and Ranson, where dedicated civil servants work diligently to support their communities, proving that efficient governance requires stability beyond mere political loyalty.