Please accept this testimony in support of Jacky Takakura's appointment to serve as Planning Director.
I had the pleasure of working with Jacky for several years at the Planning Department when I was Deputy Director and Director; she served as Administrative Officer, Administrative Planning Officer, and Deputy Director during my time with the Department. Each of her positions was part of the Senior Management Team; as such, I counted on her and other team members to keep me updated on personnel and operational issues, participate in brainstorming discussions, and provide input and feedback on current issues, concerns, and questions. She was a tremendous asset in this capacity, able to speak candidly and honestly, which I greatly appreciated (not all team members did).
In each position she held, Jacky had a number of regular duties and would also be given ad hoc and special assignments. These were sometimes complex, sensitive, contentious, or otherwise challenging, and Jacky could always be trusted to approach them with intelligence, compassion, understanding, and professionalism. On the rare occasion that this work involved issues that were new to Jacky, she would research them, discuss with colleagues and other resources, and generally become well-informed in no time at all -- her capacity for learning and understanding is exceptional and unlimited. She has the rare quality of being able to say, "I don't know" which she immediately follows with, "but I will find out" ... and she always did. At this point in her career, though, her knowledge is extensive.
You may also want to know that Jacky does not have a personal agenda, other than wanting to support our community. She cares very deeply about Maui Nui and its residents, and simply wants to serve the public and help people however she can. Becoming the head of the Long Range Planning Division was a very good fit for this, and I believe she is now stepping up to fill the important and difficult position of Director because she cares and wants to help.
Thank you for your consideration of this testimony, and I hope you will support Resolution No. 26-38 to appoint Jacky Takakura as Planning Director. Unfortunately, a scheduling conflict prevents me from offering this testimony in person, but it is no less heartfelt and sincere Emoji
Mahalo,
Michele McLean
38 Hoku Place
Paia, Hawaii 96779
mchouteau@yahoo.com
Aloha GREAT Committee,
Please accept this testimony in support of Jacky Takakura's appointment to serve as Planning Director.
I had the pleasure of working with Jacky for several years at the Planning Department when I was Deputy Director and Director; she served as Administrative Officer, Administrative Planning Officer, and Deputy Director during my time with the Department. Each of her positions was part of the Senior Management Team; as such, I counted on her and other team members to keep me updated on personnel and operational issues, participate in brainstorming discussions, and provide input and feedback on current issues, concerns, and questions. She was a tremendous asset in this capacity, able to speak candidly and honestly, which I greatly appreciated (not all team members did).
In each position she held, Jacky had a number of regular duties and would also be given ad hoc and special assignments. These were sometimes complex, sensitive, contentious, or otherwise challenging, and Jacky could always be trusted to approach them with intelligence, compassion, understanding, and professionalism. On the rare occasion that this work involved issues that were new to Jacky, she would research them, discuss with colleagues and other resources, and generally become well-informed in no time at all -- her capacity for learning and understanding is exceptional and unlimited. She has the rare quality of being able to say, "I don't know" which she immediately follows with, "but I will find out" ... and she always did. At this point in her career, though, her knowledge is extensive.
You may also want to know that Jacky does not have a personal agenda, other than wanting to support our community. She cares very deeply about Maui Nui and its residents, and simply wants to serve the public and help people however she can. Becoming the head of the Long Range Planning Division was a very good fit for this, and I believe she is now stepping up to fill the important and difficult position of Director because she cares and wants to help.
Thank you for your consideration of this testimony, and I hope you will support Resolution No. 26-38 to appoint Jacky Takakura as Planning Director. Unfortunately, a scheduling conflict prevents me from offering this testimony in person, but it is no less heartfelt and sincere Emoji
Mahalo,
Michele McLean
38 Hoku Place
Paia, Hawaii 96779
mchouteau@yahoo.com
I emailed great.committee@mauicounty.us but the auto reply said to use eComment. Testimony and related documents attached.