Post by mikekerstetter on Mar 26, 2011 5:01:00 GMT -5
dailyitem.com/0110_editorials/x10255600/Encouraging-thrift
The regional office of the state Department of Transporation says it will save about $3 million this year by having PennDOT workers do tasks that just a few years ago would have gone to private contractors. Last year, 26 department-force bridge projects saved about $2.3 million — money that the district was able to direct into other needed projects.
The savings are especially important this year, when District 3, including Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties, is expecting only $79 million in funding for 2011 contracted projects, compared to $169 million available in 2010.
Commuters who have grumbled over the sight of highway workers leaning on shovels in work zones may be little surprised that PennDOT has found a way to add duties to some of its staff.
The revelation would also seem to contradict conventional wisdom. It has been a linchpin of conversative thought that we can save money by reducing the size of government and turning many of the tasks of public workers over to private companies. So how does PennDOT save us money?
The highway department does not have to worry about making a profit, a department spokesman said. Also, PennDOT is not obligated to pay prevailing wages.
Of course, we could have our cake and reduce the size of government, too. Part of the solution would be to reform government contracting requirements so that the state does not have to pay inflated wages when it hires private workers.
Still, PennDOT deserves credit for striving to do more with less. The highway department has done a commendable job by adding work and giving the public a clear accounting of its efforts.
We expect that other state agencies will follow the PennDOT model and demonstrate what efforts are being made to become more efficient.
It certainly would not hurt if elected officials showed leadership on the issue and demonstrated a commitment toward transparency in how they spend tax dollars. State Rep. Fred Keller has already stepped to the front, posting monthly spending reports on his website. Keller's report lists office rent, utility costs, and everything down to the cost of janitorial services. It falls short only in that it fails to include the personnel costs associated with running the office.
One way to encourage this focus on government thrift continues to drive this spirit of openness is for the public to let their representatives know it is appreciated. Good job, PennDOT.
The regional office of the state Department of Transporation says it will save about $3 million this year by having PennDOT workers do tasks that just a few years ago would have gone to private contractors. Last year, 26 department-force bridge projects saved about $2.3 million — money that the district was able to direct into other needed projects.
The savings are especially important this year, when District 3, including Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties, is expecting only $79 million in funding for 2011 contracted projects, compared to $169 million available in 2010.
Commuters who have grumbled over the sight of highway workers leaning on shovels in work zones may be little surprised that PennDOT has found a way to add duties to some of its staff.
The revelation would also seem to contradict conventional wisdom. It has been a linchpin of conversative thought that we can save money by reducing the size of government and turning many of the tasks of public workers over to private companies. So how does PennDOT save us money?
The highway department does not have to worry about making a profit, a department spokesman said. Also, PennDOT is not obligated to pay prevailing wages.
Of course, we could have our cake and reduce the size of government, too. Part of the solution would be to reform government contracting requirements so that the state does not have to pay inflated wages when it hires private workers.
Still, PennDOT deserves credit for striving to do more with less. The highway department has done a commendable job by adding work and giving the public a clear accounting of its efforts.
We expect that other state agencies will follow the PennDOT model and demonstrate what efforts are being made to become more efficient.
It certainly would not hurt if elected officials showed leadership on the issue and demonstrated a commitment toward transparency in how they spend tax dollars. State Rep. Fred Keller has already stepped to the front, posting monthly spending reports on his website. Keller's report lists office rent, utility costs, and everything down to the cost of janitorial services. It falls short only in that it fails to include the personnel costs associated with running the office.
One way to encourage this focus on government thrift continues to drive this spirit of openness is for the public to let their representatives know it is appreciated. Good job, PennDOT.
