Patrick's talent pool

THIS WEEK Governor-elect Deval Patrick begins the crucial business of choosing his Cabinet and staffing departments in state government. This is particularly important for Patrick, an inspiring leader who does not often visit the policy trenches. The good news is that the state is rich with talented professionals who believe in government and would honor public service. We list some of these names below.

Of course, this is only a sampling. We didn't even check to see if the people mentioned are available. And we did steer away, by and large, from those who are already in Patrick's policy brain trust or who had key roles in his campaign (they know who they are).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Eric Buehrens, associate provost at Harvard, has earned high marks for his coordination of university expansion into Allston. State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez of Boston has a keen eye for urban opportunities, as does Kairos Shen of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Kristina Egan knows how to blend development and environmental concerns from her work at the Smart Growth Alliance. Ted Carman of Concord Square Development has worked effectively to change restrictive local housing policies to encourage economic growth.

HEALTHCARE: Ruth Ellen Fitch, director of the Dimock Community Health Center, also knows municipal finance from her time as a lawyer specializing in government work. Deborah Enos knows the field from her tenure as president of the Neighborhood Health Plan. Matthew Fishman, a junior member of the Dukakis administration, has deepened his expertise by his work as a vice president in charge of community benefits at Partners HealthCare. Andrew Dreyfus, vice president of Blue Cross-Blue Shield, knows hospitals from his time at the Massachusetts Hospital Association. John McDonough of Health Care for All combines political know-how from his years in the state Legislature with the policy expertise of a PhD. Drs. Lauren Smith and Deborah Frank bring the pediatric perspective to healthcare from their work at Boston Medical Center.

EDUCATION: Mark Roosevelt, who co authored the education reform act as a legislator in 1993, might like to return from Pittsburgh, where he is now superintendent of schools. Ian Bowles, president of MassInc, has offered a powerful private spur for educational improvement. Christopher Gabrieli, who challenged Patrick in the gubernatorial primary, deserves a position of leadership in education for his persistent and informed advocacy of improvements in schools statewide.

BUDGET: Paul Haley moved from the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee to a vice presidency at Lehman Brothers, a rare combination of talents. Robert Ross has impressed monitors of state finances with his work as budget director of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

HUMAN SERVICES: Joan Wallace-Benjamin has extensive experience in child welfare as head of the Home for Little Wanderers. Joseph Finn of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance and Susanne Beaton of the One Family Campaign have been strong advocates of the homeless. Randal Rucker has addressed an array of human needs as head of Family Service of Greater Boston.

ENVIRONMENT: Laura Johnson has been an effective advocate as president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Valerie Burns of the Boston Natural Areas Network has steered the Neponset River Greenway to success. Philip Warburg has deftly led the Conservation Law Foundation . Jim Gomes, head of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, would also bring political experience.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Local police chiefs John Romero of Lawrence, Daniel O'Leary of Brookline, Steven Mazzie of Everett, and Steven Carl of Framingham are worth considering for state positions, as is Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley and Hampshire County Sheriff Michael Ashe, a prisoner re-entry specialist with a talent for creating job training and housing opportunitieis.

TRANSPORTATION: Environmental lawyer Stephanie Pollack has masterfully made the case for public transit. Joseph Aiello, an MBTA construction manager in the early 1990s, has gained other valuable experience as senior vice president of the engineering firm DMJM+Harris.

ROMNEY'S TEAM: Admirably, Patrick said last week that he would also be reaching out to Republicans for roles in his administration. In that spirit, we feel some members of Governor Mitt Romney's team could serve Patrick well. Among them: John Wagner of the Department of Transitional Assistance; Ann Reale, commissioner of early education; Harry Spence at the Department of Social Services; Elizabeth Childs at the Department of Mental Health.

This is not an exhaustive list. Other people will no doubt have their own suggestions. And whether the people here come to work in state government depends on a variety of factors. Commissioners and Cabinet secretaries are typically paid about $110,000, a healthy salary that nevertheless would represent a pay cut for many of those mentioned here. But Patrick can appeal to potential staffers' public spirit -- and to the Legislature for more money, if necessary.

No matter what, the new governor's success in office will depend upon the people he taps for crucial posts. Massachusetts would benefit from the services of a new generation of engaged innovators who aren't the usual suspects. There is plenty of talent to choose from.

(Correction: We got our geography wrong in the editorial "Patrick's talent pool" last Sunday. Michael Ashe is the sheriff of Hampden, not Hampshire, County.)