Downsizing Local Government

A new state report on local government efficiency is now in the hands of Governor Paterson with a variety of ideas to merge and consolidate government services and governments period.

[DMG]

another report that states the obvious, too much gov't, too many school districts etc, another obvious response from gov't workers, another response from politicians who'll be "looking into it."

[IT guy]

yeah, alright.... don't ever complain when you hear about kids hacking the computers in the schools again if you downsize. The tech depts are understaffed as it is.

A recent report by the computing industry (unaffiliated with NYS in any way) said that there should be, on average, 1 technician per every 200 computers. NY schools have 1 per every 500 computers - not good computers running the latest security either - they have the old junk that no one wants. So when some kid gets the payroll records of 500 district employees, don't go after the tech depts for not doing their jobs - they're too busy putting out hair fires.

[DMG]

The cuts should come from top brass, ex 5 school districts in one town, = 5 principals, which could be whittled down to 1. But in the end they'll trim the rank and file and create new positions for the useless administrators.

[Looking Into A Mirror]

DMG wrote:

The cuts should come from top brass, ex 5 school districts in one town,= 5 principals, which could be whittled down to 1. But in the end they'll trim the rank and file and create new positions for the useless administrators.

Might be some openings soon up in Niagara County.

[I a toll a u]

The population of New York State has been decreasing for years yet government and schools have been growing. Hello!

Only in New York!

[Jason from Williamsville]

As soon as I saw CSEA and AFL-CIO was against it I knew it must be a good idea.

[Tired]

I just hope this report didn't cost to much money to produce considering it is a report stating the obvious. What consulting group just made a good buck off of taxpayers money to produce this report. Gee, did anyone think that the report would say we need to increase the size of government?

[Peter]

This is number 3 right after Bass Pro & a new Peace Bridge.

[Tinker]

Thin the herd by attrition and hiring freeze, then combine non essential services, aka clerks into pool positions. Begin practice of part time on call workers when needed. Eliminate all take home cars, and no more assigned cars, they should be pool cars. Time sheets for all workers who are out in the field, to keep track of lunches and breaks. Cell phones for offical business only! Workers should be warned if they use phones for personal calls and after three write ups, dismissal. They get paid enough to have their own cell phone for personal calls. It's time we looked at the way all departments are run and cut cost whereever we can. Unfortunately the public will just have to bite the bullet when it comes to service, a little longer wait perhaps for a lower tax bill. When I was a young boy, I had to wait up to five hours to see an eye doctor at the eye clinic at E. J. Meyer Memorial Hospital and I lived through it okay, seems others can wait a bit also.

[Dave in Wales]

Great Idea - will never happen unless Albany forces it. For example, where I live in Wales I have the following school districts near me: Holland, East Aurora, and Iroquois. Each is staffed by multiple Superintendents (Iroquois has 3), Boards, and principals. Why NOT combine into a single district? Add in all the town government: Holland, Wales, South Wales, Aurora, East Aurora, Elma - each with a town board, town justice, town clerk, Highway dept, water department, fire department, etc etc. Businesses downsize - why does government only UPSIZE?

[Rob_M]

This is a fantastic idea! I know we need local representation, but ever little town does not need a 4 or 5 person council and a supervisor, a highway dept, etc, etc. So much duplication of services and so little back for our investment. But we also need to look at the duplication on the county, state and federal levels. Localities would be an exciting start to this downsizing measure but in the long run we need more! But with that said, I will believe it when I see it. This is going to have to be forced upon in some areas and local politicians will lobby against it all the way, none of them want to loose their gravy trains.