Governments in democratic jurisdictions large and small are constantly faced with decisions that give the people they serve satisfaction that their concerns are getting the utmost attention, or disappointment that somehow the decision-makers have lost touch with the people.Although the One Bermuda Alliance has not yet served a year as the new Government, there is an uneasy feeling creeping in that could tarnish the positive mood that swept most of Bermuda following the last election, which was clear testimony that after countless political blunders by the Progressive Labour Party government, the electorate demanded change and spoke through the ballot box.The good thing about democracy is that it provides the right of free expression, although this should be within codes of respectability to avoid nasty emotional and demeaning views that can often damage or create hostile sentiments that detract from the subject.Even the PLP, following that defeat last December, admitted that they needed to re-examine their political machine and said they would not be an Opposition to simply be an obstacle to the new Government at every turn, because they still wanted to be a part of what was good for the Bermudian people. Of course, after any political defeat the wounded party acts to rebuild in order to hold on to supporters.The interesting part to all of this is that the people are really the ones in the driver’s seat. They are the ones who brought about the change in political leadership, and they still have the power give a repeat performance.Just as the public reacted strongly to some decisions by the former PLP Government, they have every right to do so with newly elected OBA. In soccer terms this is not quite a red card, but in politics the yellow card should be taken serious.The Government’s choice to fill the post of new Education Commissioner has touched a nerve in the community that cannot be ignored. It is not so much that the appointee is an American, there are complexities connected to this move that deeply trouble many Bermudians. In such a tight economic dilemma where Bermudians are losing jobs daily with those still working forced to take a wage cut, it is almost unthinkable to see another high paying job being offered to a non-Bermudian, especially in our education system.Making things worse is that the new Education Commissioner Edmund Heatley admits he is not without controversial comments from overseas bloggers regarding some of his initiatives. Despite this, he must be respected as we should respect anyone who is selected for a sensitive post, after all he did not hire himself.Meeting and talking to people the general feedback was that most found it difficult to conclude that no Bermudian is capable of performing this duty.There may be more to this than meets the eye, but our education system has had so many experts from the past with no dramatic results that the public is entitled to be sceptical about this appointment no matter the intentions. It seems it would have been better had the best of our educational brains, including retired school principals, been fully tapped before proceeding. Even if that happened the final decision on what to do would rest with Government.Governments have the power to make many decisions, but they should not make decisions simply because they have the power to do so. The former Government is fully aware of the consequences for sidestepping concerns of the people on vital issues. Our education system is in need of upgrading, if our students are to meet world standards and everyone is in favour of that. However this must be done in keeping with the tone and culture of Bermuda.Fifty or sixty years ago, our education system, although flawed with social injustice, still produced highly successful people who gave great service to building our communities. Our education system back then was anchored in discipline, respect, and hardwork. Over the years there has been a breakdown of those qualities in many countries, including the United States. There will be no magic wand to restore that.The bottom line is that the Bermudian people want what is best for our children, and they elected the new Government to do something better. At the moment the electorate seem to be waving the yellow card in this area, and we all know what the red cards means.Let’s hope whatever is done will benefit our students and Bermuda.Bermuda is facing many challenges, and the new Government must never lose touch with the electorate.The OBA must move with skill, caution and transparency in serving the people, who are watching very closely as they have no taste for political mistakes of the past.