Thursday, December 26, 2013

One Government One People

The title is a little over simplification because the issue is very complex . . .but many governments for one people is just a big waste of resources and the taxpayers money. If this was a simple nut to crack I would have been more successful over the years but EGO's and entrenched redundant services blanket all of our region. I have been told that the level of service and respect that Highland Park or Deerfield or Lake Forest give their citizens could not be achieved in consolidation. HOGWASH! We have very similar operations with high expectations in every community. How about CONTROL and governance over any consolidations? Does anybody think that any of us really have control over the day to day operations we currently enjoy? We hire professionals to deal with those matters and their performance data is examined in a timely manner by our elected policy makers. If performance is not achieved than a professional change is made. The major change would be the savings of tax dollars spent on redundant buildings, administrations, vehicles, and small inefficient networks.

The discussion and implementation of government efficiency has been spouted by almost all public officials yet reorganizations of the unsustainable government frameworks are virtually unchanged. 

Should I care if my public works, police, fire, development, or administration says Highland Park, OR ACME ? ? Does it trouble us it does not say Ravinia, Moraine, Woodridge, Braeside, Highlands or Sunset? Highland Park has a population of under 30,000 and other towns nearby have from a few thousand to about twenty thousand. Highland Park covers about 12.5 square miles and others a little bigger and smaller. Lake County, the government that I represent, has about 700,000 people in in and around 51 incorporated communities.

Now there have been a few issues over the years where my opinions might not be shared by a majority of residents and I would like to hear from you on this matter. Would it trouble you if one of Highland Park's departments were shared with Deerfield, Highwood, Lake Forest, Bannockburn, Lincolnshire and/or Lake Bluff?  You have to ask yourself how many 10 million dollar jails/communication centers do we need for 50,000 people or 100,000 people? What is the best practice? Can we combine governments under one roof ?

Yes, some redundant government jobs will be lost, but can we keep people living in our communities that just can pay anymore taxes and fees? I am hopeful that our County Chairman will move forward in 2014 on this discussion and allow us to reach out for partners to study new governance models in Lake County. Let me know your thoughts.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Emailed "On The Table" Newsletter will be replaced by Tweets of this Blog


Over the past 10 or 15 years I have been sending out emailed political newsletters. Because I have a Lake County Newsletter published every few weeks I figured that enough was enough and not to also send out my political rag (On The Table).

I have heard from many folks how much they liked my sharp tonged babble, when not pointing at them, and were disappointed that I was not sending it out.

The "On the Table" Newsletter has been a snapshot of this blog for many years. I am thinking a way to get my opinions out to a wider audience is to send tweets out when I publish on my blog. If folks want to be a follower of @StevenWMandel at twitter they can and will be notified of my "On The Table" rants real time......

I will send out one blast in the near future to let folks know of the new plan and those whom might want to follow can sign up.... STEVE