Stitt wrong to target higher ed chancellor

Regarding “Stitt wants new higher ed chief” (News, Aug. 21): Glen Johnson has guided higher education through eight years of budget cuts imposed by the Legislature, the deepest reduction in the nation at 26.4%. To my knowledge none of the regents has criticized his leadership and managerial skills — no small feat. Unlike with previous chancellors, there has not been the slightest hint of scandal during Johnson's 12-year tenure. Johnson, his staff, professors and support personnel have all done amazing work keeping the higher education ship of state afloat in spite of the holes blown in it by uncaring, anti-higher education characters in the Legislature.

For these reasons and many more, I am incredulous that Gov. Kevin Stitt has jumped into this frying pan without really knowing what he was doing except to consolidate more power within his domain. And all this from a man who didn't even bother to vote for 20 years.

Stitt's earlier appointments appear to be drawn from the same pool of candidates. Mostly men, mostly grads of Oklahoma State University, mostly with an oil-and-gas background and mostly devoid of knowledge or experience with the major responsibilities they are undertaking.

I've seen this rodeo before and the results have often been disastrous. I'm all for new blood, new ideas, new leadership, etc. But there is something to be said for experience and knowledge.

Cal Hobson, Lexington

Hobson, a Democrat, served 28 years in the Legislature.