Now that the property tax amendment has passed it is only a matter of time before certain local governments, media pundits and special interest groups start blaming the voters for everything from increased crime to lower educational results.   Rather than whining about what they can’t do, perhaps now is the time for government to adopt the “can do” attitude that made America great and understand that they can make meaningful organizational changes and cuts without adding new fees or impacting critical functions such as first responders or teachers who meet annual performance expectations.  

By taking an open and honest look at each role within local government it is possible to consolidate or eliminate redundant functions. To the extent government is paying people to do tasks that have been computerized in the private sector the government needs to come of age and harness technology while getting rid of outdated processes.   Government also needs to look at what could be completed more efficiently and for less cost by outsourcing to the private sector.

It’s time the big government, tax and spend liberals stop their complaining about their loss of tax revenue and start looking for solutions from within.   In my years as a Six Sigma Black Belt I have been involved in numerous projects that have identified and eliminated waste which can occur throughout any organization, but is especially prevalent when a structure is bloated and bureaucratic, two terms often associated with government.   Waste can be big or small, pennies or dollars, people or processes, but it does exist and it adds up to the tune of billions of dollars throughout all levels of government. 

Government needs to realize that people are tired of being asked to continually foot the bill for non-essential services and perceived government waste.  It is time that government focus on achievement and hold each and every one of their employees accountable for results with rewards for merit and termination for complacency.   This is an age old concept in the private sector where results are expected and failure to achieve is a surefire way of getting the axe.  

Perhaps now that the voters have spoken out local governments can proactively take steps to give us a return on our investment rather than find excuses to not perform as expected.  We, as citizens, have learned to do without certain luxuries while managing to fund our basic necessities.  If we can do it on the paltry sum left after government takes their more than generous share out of our paychecks so can they.