Both Carl Paladino and Andrew Cuomo have talked about the reorganization of government at the local level and there are many things that need to be done. One suggestion is to make counties larger behemoths than they already are. In other words making them the unit of local government administration instead of towns and school districts.
Whether that's a good idea or not needs to be debated, but there are many common sense changes that could be made and it is good to see candidates talking about changes.
As always, it comes down to the notion that the government that governs best is that one that is closest to the people....versus the argument in favor of economies of scale.
There are no silver bullets, but much of our problem is the proliferation of programs and the systems for compensation 0f government employees, particularly the out of control pension system.
Mr. Paladino is the mad as Hell candidate, expressing the popular rage of many. Mr. Cuomo is the ultimate insider who claims he can build the consensus needed among diverse groups and interests.
They both have a point. A shakeup is needed, but Paladino's baseball bat to the Legislature sounds familiar to the 'f------ steamroller' of Governor Eliot Spitzer who turned a 70% mandate into a failed governorship even before Ashley and he hooked up at the Mayflower. One key aide to a local legislator told me if Paladino brings a bat to the Legislature, we'll 'stick it up his ---."
Such colorful talk is common among the political class in Albany.
Mr Cuomo says all the money he has taken from the unions, business interests and special interests doesn't mean anything...other than it gives him the means to compete and be the champion of the people. That too is a naive approach.
Both men need to find ways to be assertive without being a bully. Consensus is important...not so much in the Legislature but among people....To say folks want lower taxes is easy to say...but there is no consensus on the notion of having a smaller government.
Being a demagogue always at odds with lawmakers, or just being the ultimate deal maker with no core mission will not change Albany.
Success will hinge on building a consensus among those being governed....Remember the phrase 'consent of the governed' ?
Paladino plans sweeping changes - AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise
5 comments:
Calling Cuomo or his comment naive is just plain arrogant. Like telling birds how to fly.
"America is at an awkward time. It is too late to work within the system and too early to shoot the ba#&*@!ds"
author unknown
I would be willing to give Paladino a chance. Hey, look how Gov. Christie is shaking up NJ.He's not been afraid to tackle the tough issues. I know we've had tough talkers in the past, but,sooner or later (hopefully sooner), we may just hit the jackpot. I believe it's never too late.
P.S. ; in reference to the local legislator's aide's comment on the baseball bat, sounds to me that this person is a little arrogant and has gotten too comfy with the job.Probably needs to go.So, pitting the visciousness of downstaters against the upstaters, I do not see any difference. Why should these aides remain anonymous. I'm sure if the comment was in relation to S.P.,we would know the name in a heartbeat. If we have legislator's aides who make comments as such, probably reflects back on the thoughts/priorities of our legislators.
It's about time someone took a bat to the legislature.
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