Editor:

The cartoon "The Most Dangerous Jobs in Humboldt County," (Dec. 10) depicting the empty place for the position of director of the Department of Health and Human Services, is a good start to a necessary conversation. As a community, we all are impacted by the programs and innovations implemented by the DHHS. All of us benefit from a DHHS staffed with creative thinkers who recognize the particular needs of our communities. We ought to take a look at what can be done to make sure DHHS can grow and thrive.

By any measure, the director's job is a daunting one, and given the rejection of the position by the chosen candidate, maybe it is time to rethink the situation. How about moving away from the current model of "one director in charge of everything?" Given the chosen candidate's dearth of experience and institutional knowledge, I can't help but wonder if the job has evolved to a point where piling it all onto one lap is not effective.

DHHS, and subsequently, our communities, could benefit under another management model. We all want the best for our county, so why limit ourselves?

—Sheila Evans, Eureka