One of the most refreshing statements to come out of Sean Parnell's first Anchorage press conference as governor this week was his comment that social issues will not be a factor in his hiring. "I'm not requiring anybody to meet a litmus test for service in state government," Parnell said.

Parnell particularly said social issues will not affect the hiring of a new public health director -- which is significant because Bev Wooley, the most recent public health director, left at former Gov. Sarah Palin's request, and said she was forced out because Palin felt she wasn't in step on social issues.

Parnell said he will rely on Health and Social Services Commissioner Bill Hogan to choose a new public health director.

The new governor's approach promises to open doors of state government to those with a range of political views -- and to the most talented people, regardless of their views. That's as it should be.

Whoever takes a top state job obviously must be willing and able to represent the governor's position. But personally espousing the same moral or religious views as the governor should not be part of the job description.

Wooley was the second top state health official to leave in the last few weeks of the Palin administration. Jay Butler, the chief medical officer, left after declining to combine Wooley's job with his and do both.

Wooley said the main point of contention between her and Palin was legislation that would have required girls under age 17 to get parental consent for an abortion. Palin was an active supporter of the bill.

Wooley said she was prepared to support the governor's position on the bill, but she was also prepared to accurately answer legislators' questions about how similar legislation has worked elsewhere.

Wooley's boss disagreed that she could do a proper job of defending the governor's position in front of legislators.

The state lost highly experienced health officials when Butler left and Wooley was booted out.

Wooley had worked more than 20 years in public health in Alaska, most of it with the Municipality of Anchorage.

We're glad Gov. Parnell is going to take a more objective approach in state hiring.

BOTTOM LINE: You don't have to be a total "yes" woman to work in the Parnell administration.

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