Test election candidates for competence

In every stage of life we go through, there seems to be some type of test. We all faced the required tests that 12 years in school presented. There was a variety of tests for those who spent time in the military — weapons, equipment and the many skills testing. There are college-entry exams and graduate-school-entry exams like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc. Want to drive a vehicle? Have to take a state-mandated test to be licensed. All those professionals we interact with, such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, electricians, law enforcement officers, certified mechanics and the pilots who fly us to destinations around the world, all have certificates stating they successfully passed some type of test or education requirement and have met the requirements of a board to do their work. Unfortunately, a gigantic gap exists when we look at our elected officials who run our local, county, state and federal governments and the public treasury that is attached.

Given the importance of the work involved in governing, one would expect some type of testing, certification or a measured level of competence from those who govern for us and manage the public treasury, our tax dollars. We’ve been conditioned to accept the test of the “vote” and the “word” of the candidate when it comes to competency of our elected officials. No test required; win an election and step into office. That “office” is a place that we all know requires a competent, knowledgeable governing manager. But we don’t test for it — zip, nada. One is elected with zero “proof” that the person moving into the governing office is capable of doing the work. Sure, Washington state has the non-profit organization Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) that has handbooks for newly elected local officials. Yet, there are no requirement that those elected read that information.

I don’t know if the public would accept this; certainly old-school politicians would blow a valve. I suggest future office-seeking candidates, from the local level all the way to national level, show minimal proof of knowledge of civics, history and governmental management functions. If one wants a job running a government entity, show us you know how and that you understand the fundamentals of government.

There are a few options currently available that “candidates” could avail themselves of, showing us that they are competent and knowledgeable to seek an elected governing office. The first and simple option could be the United States Citizen Civics Test. This is the test that immigrants are required to take who are seeking citizenship. I would suggest that at least 75 of the 100 questions be answered, unlike the 10 random questions that are asked of those seeking citizenship. The second option could be the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. There are several exams offered in CLEP. I suggest that at least two of the tests be taken. American Government would be required, and we should consider Principles of Management. Both of these exams offer a bonus too — they’re worth three credits each.

If one wants to govern us, we should ask them to show proof they know how to go about the business of governing and managing the public treasury. The people who operate wastewater treatment plants are required to be certified. Should elected officials be certified in their work too?