5 Things the Next President Must Do Now to Avoid Being a Failed One-Termer

What could be worse than this presidential campaign? The one that will follow it in 2020, if whoever is elected this fall doesn’t get serious about governing the country.

So says Donald F. Kettl, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Kettl has written a memo for Government Executive to the remaining contenders in the race for the White House in which he outlines a five-step plan for the next president to follow to avoid a failed administration.

The time for the next occupant of the Oval Office to start checking off the items on the list is now, writes Kettl. The next president will have access to a wide range of tools to neutralize anti-government anger by more effectively administering government operations. But unless he or she is prepared on day one to begin the process, they can expect to be back on the outside looking in after four years.

Click here to read the full memo to the presidential candidates

Photo: Flickr user angela n.