Morton makes a critical distinction between true privatization and contracting; between "bailing out" and "contracting out." Contracting can certainly be a cost-effective way to provide public services, but it reduces neither the size nor scope of government. It simply substitutes consultants and independent contractors for municipal…
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Category Archives: Local Government
LETTERS TO THE NEXT MAYOR 4
Mayors these days do more than fill chuckholes and provide police and fire protection. They direct highly sophisticated economic development efforts, based on the recognition that a healthy economy is critically important to a healthy and successful city.
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LETTERS TO THE NEXT MAYOR 5
How does a candidate for Mayor respond to environmental issues? By promising to erect an air filter at the city limits? By forbidding pollution of White River by Hamilton county residents? Most environmental problems just don’t lend themselves to local solutions. To make matters worse, scientific debate rages over the causes…
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LETTERS TO THE NEXT MAYOR 6
If you doubt that economists are cynical and cranky folks, a glance at Morton’s column on neighborhood organizations should prove the point.
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LETTERS TO THE NEXT MAYOR 3
The Indianapolis homicide rate exceeds that of New York City. Our police department is demoralized and widely criticized. Citizen complaints–fair and unfair–are widespread. What should a new Mayor do?
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