06-18-2008, 02:39 PM
Utilizing consultants is being done by state, county & local governments all over.... Most are put out for bid process... most are open bid... most are not by local firms... there are many reasons why, most of them hinge on the fact that no government official really wants to be totally responsible for any decision (and most at least realize they don't have expertise on many of the issues that are handled by consultants...)
One of the big things that helps keep local controls is local involvement.... this is something you hear all of the time, but by & large, public participation in government is minimal... Think to yourself, how many policy meetings have you sat in on? how many public forums have you attended? Do you know your local public officials? Did you vote for any? Do they know you & your views? Are you involved in your local government &/ or issues that you feel are important?
Utilizing non-local consultants should be one tool in a toolbox filled with informed local residents, if the local residents are not present, usually there is only one tool to choose from... that is the price of indifference...
One of the big things that helps keep local controls is local involvement.... this is something you hear all of the time, but by & large, public participation in government is minimal... Think to yourself, how many policy meetings have you sat in on? how many public forums have you attended? Do you know your local public officials? Did you vote for any? Do they know you & your views? Are you involved in your local government &/ or issues that you feel are important?
Utilizing non-local consultants should be one tool in a toolbox filled with informed local residents, if the local residents are not present, usually there is only one tool to choose from... that is the price of indifference...