News-Record.com

The furniture market's college of cardinals didn't release black smoke today, but it wasn't white, either.

More like gray.

They've elected a pope but can't say who he (or she) is.

Maybe on March 24.

Forgive me for borrowing the Vatican imagery.

It's just that the ways of High Point's furniture market authority board sometimes are just as mysterious as the workings of the Church.

And the fact that the next authority president may need some extraordinary powers to maintain High Point's position as the world's top furniture market.

I'm not sure the board can keep its choice under wraps for 16 days. But the fact that it thinks that's necessary is unsettling. It must anticipate some tough bargaining.

If there is negotiating, I hope it's not only about salary and benefits. The new president must be guaranteed a strong hand in running the market. While he or she may work for the board, the president can't be subserviant to it. The board's members represent various interests, some of which may conflict with the overall needs of the market. The president must have the ability to make the market's many elements work together for the good of all.

The man or woman who gets the job will be the most important person in High Point. And the selection has to impress the community, the industry and High Point's rivals in Las Vegas from the moment he or she is named.

It's worrisome that the board doesn't intend to name that person for 16 days. The delay conveys uncertainty when confidence is needed.

Let's hope the qualms are erased as soon as the secret is revealed.

Make that, let's pray ...