You may be thinking that it is one thing to see the waste and hear stories all of the time, but what good does it do to simply read about the problem? Well, if you are really interested in trying to fix the problems in your local government there are a few things you can do. First, contact your council members and commissioners. Ask questions about the budget. Ask what cuts have been made, and see if they have researched other ways to cut spending. Many cities and counties have online access to financial records and are available to citizens so they can do research. If the reports are not online then you can go to city hall or the courthouse and request the information. This information is a matter of public record, and thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, you are guaranteed access to these documents.They should help you better understand what money is coming in and where it is going to.
Second, you can do research about other cities and counties to see how they have cut spending. Some cities and counties have successfully privatized certain departments and were able to save money and increase productivity and quality of work. Then tell your local officials that they should contact the governments that were able to successfully make the adjustments.
Thirdly, talk with your neighbors and fellow residents to brainstorm ideas. Some people work for the government departments and can see first hand where money is being flushed down the drain. Additionally, people who work in various industries can oftentimes offer suggestions of things that they do, to save money, in their business that could be implemented at the local government level.
Finally, go to meetings. Whether it be city council or county commissioner meetings, go and listen to what is happening. And if you feel the need or if you have something to say, stand up and be heard. After all it is your money they are spending, not theirs.
If you are reading this and you have ideas on how government could save money, or if you have stories of things that governments have done to save money, Contact Us and tell us about it so we can spread the message.
