State politics lumbers along under the radar. But a few cracks are appearing in Barry O'Farrell's cabinet. This is not surprising almost three years into government, but worth noting.

Tangled in a couple of minor scandals, Greg Pearce was punted as finance minister a few weeks ago. No loss there. Pru Goward has made a hash of community services, fudging the statistics then tossing up dodgy excuses she would have shredded in her earlier incarnation as an ABC journalist. Graham Annesley, former sports minister and a decent bloke, sensibly wants no more of politics and is off to manage the Gold Coast Titans NRL team.

Then there is Treasurer Mike Baird and his helpful habit of naming old mates and Liberal Party donors to rewarding posts.

These include Roger Massy-Greene, appointed chairman of the electricity distributor Networks NSW, and Chum Darvall, a former Baird colleague at Deutsche Bank and now chairman of TransGrid.

Most intriguingly, colourful businessman Nick di Girolamo, a Liberal fund-raiser and, curiously, an associate of the inevitable Eddie Obeid, is now a director of Sydney Water.

Seizing the moment, Herald reader Paul Miles fired off a hopeful letter to the Treasurer a few days ago. He hasn't had a reply yet, so I'm giving it a run here to jog things along:

Dear Mr Baird,

Just a short note to let you know that I am after a highly paid NSW government board chairmanship.

Although I do not have a history of donating cash to your party, I will correct that shortfall immediately should you supply me with its banking details.

My appointment, I assume, as with the others, will not be vetted by the independent panel you established as an "added integrity measure" in late 2011. Apart from cash deposit confirmation, I take it you will not require other details such as antecedents and credentials.

The Sydney Cricket Ground Trust is my preference, but I do understand that Premier O'Farrell must firstly run that past Alan Jones.

I am looking forward to working with you and the Premier and am keen to get started as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Paul R. Miles.

Mike Carlton