05-01-2009, 03:21 AM
quote:If the people let them get away with it.
Originally posted by james weatherford
Shall we wait together, Bob?
Do you really suppose it will be some while?
Was reading how one mainland city decided to give the people a chance to weigh in on budget cuts. On the city's website the people could indicate what areas they would accept cuts, what areas shouldn't be cut, and to give the government feedback on wasteful spending. The idea was for the elected officials to see where the minefields were so they could avoid cutting something that may have political re-election consequences. But it was pulled down for "technical reasons" after a few days. Rumor had it that the vast majority of the responses were to cut the salaries and eliminate all the discretionary perks of the elected officials and agency heads. Not what they wanted to hear. Word is the next session will have a bill to reduce salaries of the top government officials by 20%, outright eliminate some perks, and require a cost benefit to keep the other perks.