An ostrich policy is no answer to the public's queries

WHEN LIU YAPING was revealed to have been appointed the vice mayor of another county at the age of 28 before she came to Shenmu county in North China's Shaanxi province recently, it aroused public suspicion because it is really rare for someone so young to get such a position in China. When questioned, the local Party committee said it was an exception, but without giving any reason. The committee should explain the circumstances, says Southern Metropolis Daily:

The Party and government regulations require officials to be promoted step by step. Of course, exceptions can be made for exceptional officials, but Liu's background does not show any outstanding talent or achievement.

The local authorities even failed to publish her complete resume. They only said she was "especially excellent" so she got the promotion. When the public asked for evidence of her especial excellence, local officials stayed silent.