I know it's common for journalists to sneeringly talk of patronage appointments. And, yes, the appointment of people from DMs to MAs -- individuals expected to be loyal to the government's agenda -- qualify as patronage. But, IMHO, the real public focus should be on whether these folks merit their positions. While I'm glad Gregor Robertson defeated her -- as I think it best, over the long term, for people like Robertson to exert influence in the NDP -- there can be little doubt that Virginia Greene has the qualifications to provide leadership at the DM level in the tourism ministry. Similarly, Jeff Bray, whom I voted against in Victoria Beacon Hill, is a reasonable choice for the loyalist role in which he's been appointed.

I'm not against the snearing, where it's merited. Just finished the Sean paeon in the Tyee, the guy who'd rather research that pump out daily copy ...
but not so adverse to shooting from the lip, it seems

Did this "patronage" appointment go to Virginia Greene, the former ADM of Tourism, who was promoted up the ranks in the public service and was a critical marketer of Expo '86?

Was the Liberal caucus supposed to put an ad in the paper and accept all comers and give them an equal shake at the top political/administrative "lollipop" in their caucus (by the way, because of our separation of the legislative and executive branches of government, Bray's is not a "government" contract and not ruled by the MCOIA, nor would Bruce be if he were hired on by caucus

Sheesh ... I don't have any love at all for the government, but even less for lousy editorializing

You obviously do not understand the words patronage appointment.