Kennedy not qualified for U.S. Senate post

A report on Syracuse.com gives us a glimpse of what is to come: "'What do you say to New Yorkers who think you're not qualified?' a newspaper reporter asked. She ignored the question and started to leave."

This report is referring, of course, to a visit to Syracuse on Wednesday of Senator-in-Waiting Caroline Kennedy. There were many other questions; all went unanswered. Apparently she was only there to "listen." It appears the fix is in for another senatorial appointment of a person whose only claim to office is the possession of the last name of a perceived political dynasty.

Let's take a look at her qualifications: Kennedy is an attorney, writer, editor and serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations. Her nonprofit service is extensive. She is an honorary chairman of the American Ballet Theatre, a member of the boards of directors of the Commission on Presidential Debates and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, current president of the Kennedy Library Foundation, adviser to the Harvard Institute of Politics and former director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education.

She currently serves as vice chair of the board of directors of The Fund for Public Schools, and vice chairwoman of New York City's Fund for Public Schools.

But does anything on this resume sound like a qualification for a Senate posting? Is there anything here which hints she might have a clue what is required to promote a thriving economy? Does any of this suggest Ms. Kennedy is even aware there is a Watertown, N.Y., much less the local problems we may be facing?

Gov. David Paterson needs to appoint someone to Clinton's Senate seat (once it becomes available) who has the knowledge, commitment, energy and qualifications to serve all of New York, not just the part of the state south of Westchester County, and certainly not someone who feels entitled to the post as a princess of the political aristocracy.

David Honan

Watertown