Betwixt and between

Today’s newspaper is datelined on the first day of spring, but Old Man Winter hasn’t really decided to give up the ghost.

On Saturday we basked in balmy weather, only to feel the bitter sting of arctic winds on Sunday.

Politically, this city is betwixt and between, too. Many New Yorkers who voted for progressive change can’t wait to overthrow the yoke of Old Man Bloomberg, but our new mayor, Bill de Blasio appears to be biding his time, especially on appointing some key commissioners.

At first, it may not seem important. Departments can keep chugging along without a political appointee at the top, you may say. 

That’s true, until policy decisions must be made. Whether its the planners of improvements at Van Cortlandt Park or the team struggling to bring the Bronx Children’s Museum to fruitition in space leased from the Parks Department, no one at that agency will budge on their behalf until the post at the top is filled. 

The fire department is also in need of a firm policy hand, yet the mayor’s transition team is still mulling its options.

One of the problems they face is their understandable desire to bring much-needed diversity to the city administration and, perhaps, settle some scores on behalf of women, people of color and gay people. 

While this is admirable, it has also brought about some ironic twists.

Take the case of Douglas White, a highly qualified career civil servant who has risen through the ranks to become deputy commissioner for administration at the Fire Department. 

No doubt, he would love to have the top job. But his appointment wouldn’t be groundbreaking. He’s a black male and we’ve already had a black male Fire Commissioner. Word is he’ll be passed over for a Hispanic woman.

Then there’s the case of Charles McKinney, a devoted Parks Department employee who is particularly adept at working with community members to improve their neighborhood parks. His inclusive style would jibe perfectly with the approach Mr. DeBlasio has been espousing. 

He has met and impressed just about every stakeholder of Van Cortlandt Park as he rolls out his carefully considered master plan for our neighborhood greensward. 

But Mr. McKinney is white, and a courtly southerner to boot. His appointment is a longshot.

So, we’re betwixt and between. It is still necessary for the city to right past wrongs, but won’t it be glorious for us to reach the point where we truly judge our appointees by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin?