Larry Feirman PSC-2301
January 11, 2021 Assignment 1
Reflection – Chapter 1 || New Directions for State and Local Government
The assignment of reading Chapter 1 for me was apropos, in light of our recent elections. We witnessed the variables in how states and even counties, district, etc., have wide variations on how their municipalities are managed. Voting, municipal services, etc. can be and are in many cases disparate. A much more focused, best practices approach is sorely needed (CSG needs to take a more active role). Overlapping, decentralization, lack of a standardized communications platform accounts for costly waste by states and municipalities.
“An efficient government is one that maximizes the output(services)from a given input (resources)… (Bowman, Kearney. Pg.3)
Although many fear that Federalism can stretch too far and too wide in state and cities (municipalities), in instances where Federal funding is involved, strict guidelines should be created and followed. The NCLB (No Child Left Behind) mandate was criticized by many states and perhaps in that instance, the state could reject the mandate and the funding provided by the Federal government.
Having spent many years in the state of Massachusetts, I had the opportunity to witness the many duplication of services and duties by each town, all in the name of independence and freedom. The cost to those that were meant to be served and supported lost out on services during financial downturns.
Perhaps the edition of the book required for our class is somewhat dated, I think the theory, the belief that the capacity and performance by local entities is more expansive, productive and more revenue generating, there are some areas where oversight, or even stricter guidelines for spending should be more closely monitored.
Areas where states have increased capacity, modernized, etc., are not always a benefit to taxpayers of that state.
Looking at today’s political/governmental environment, especially with the responsibilities of state vs. national, federal responsibility in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution, many states were, are not capable of handling a distribution to their populations of vaccine. Federal entities saw it a responsibility of the state, and many felt it was a federal obligation. The state independence out them in a venerable position. Chapter 1, page 9 talks to this conflict (increased national-states conflict).
Although my text is dated 2015, there are a number of factions that are very relevant and prolific today. The term “culture wars” is at the forefront of our national issues, but originates at the state and local level. When financial times are trying and funds are in decline, services tend to become in greater demand. There is friction at the state level, amongst states and their residents, and even more finite, by community, race, etc. We are seeing it today. California in particular rates 48 in how typical is our state (Table 1.2, page 17). We have become more diverse and that can be and is a grave issue. Wealth diversity, ethnic and racial disparities have grown year on year; the basis for unrest.
I believe in today’s environment, states could use more Federal help, but with that request comes a dependence that states have tried to avoid.
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