Efficiency

This is not a word that people generally equate with government, but it is a word that is synonymous with good government.

We’ve all seen glimpses of it right here in our County – the careful but swift response of paramedics on the scene of a serious accident, the teachers and principals working to move hundreds of children into busses at the end of each school day in just minutes, without a hitch.

But in many cases, we all experience the opposite from our County government.

For twenty-two years Steve's job was to find inefficiencies in systems that served millions of customers, and then create and implement solutions that would reduce costs and increase customer service.

That is not a skill set that everyone has.

Steve has spent the majority of the last year working with County officials and their staff in an effort to get to the root of the County’s most pressing problems. He chaired a County subcommittee that interviewed the majority of managers who work for the County’s Department of Permitting Services – the department responsible for issuing building permits and making zoning decisions. The results of those interviews were presented to the County Executive on March 4, 2008. Click here to see a copy of the 3 page report.

Several Reasons for Lack of Efficiency in our County Government Include:

No consequences for poor performance on the part of decision makers.

Inability of our leaders to see the big picture, or causes of the inefficiency.

Lack of political will to advocate for change.

Possible Solutions:

Use existing technology more effectively, as Steve did in his business, to catch mistakes before they enter the County’s maze of regulations.

Require strict enforcement of the current laws and regulations.

Work collaboratively to find a more practical and rewarding way to handle the small percentage of County employees that are resistant to exhibiting a quality work ethic.

Steve would like to know your thoughts on these issues. Click here to share them with him.

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