Harold Ickes's Watchful Eye

Harold Ickes was a contradictory figure: a true believer, consummate cynic, loyal public servant, and fiercely independent malcontent. We’ll need many more bureaucrats like him.

The implementation of large, successful public works programs is not only a matter of legislative resolve; public programs also require efficient, honest, organized bureaucrats to administer them. The life of Harold L. Ickes provides a valuable case study. Ickes was a major architect of the New Deal, serving as the Secretary of the Interior and Director…