Written by: Evans C. Spiceland 

“On the good ship lollipop, it’s a trip to the candy shop.”  While Shirley Temple’s famous lyrics were never adopted as our official state song, if you listen carefully its rhythmic echo can still be heard in the chambers and halls of our state capitol building.  “Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end,” but they did.  For decades on end the state bureaucracy, entitlement programs and special dedicated funds have been allowed to burgeon unbridled and unchecked.  “The good ship lollipop” our “ship of state” has now found itself in uncharted waters facing unprecedented navigational hazards.  Those select few who once dined at the captain’s table are being replaced by a new generation of public servants focused on the well being of our citizens and the reinventing of state government.  It is left to a new captain and crew to right our “ship of state” in the middle of a “perfect storm.”

Louisiana and its people are confronted with a set of economic circumstances unique in our history.  A deteriorating  or stagnant population/tax base, explosive health care cost (especially in Medicaid), collapsing tax revenues, mounting mandatory obligations and the expiration of elimination of funding from the federal government all contribute to the crisis in the midst of a national economic emergency, hence the “perfect storm.”  Business as usual, exemplified by myopic fiscal planning, is not an option.  Raising taxes, further delays in much needed infrastructure deferred maintenance expenditures and restructuring of debt are also not viable approaches to budget solvency.  Solutions must be practical, concrete, common sense actions that implement innovative economies and efficiencies in state government while maintaining vital services to the people.  The magnitude of the task is daunting and requires fundamental change to the way in which state government operates.  Louisiana is faced with a projected budget shortfall of more than $900 million in fiscal year (FY0 2010-11, with deficits continuing to grow in the out years, 2011 and beyond.  It’s a bleak forecast but there are encouraging signs that help is on the way.

Governor Bobby Jindal’s Executive Order creating the Commission for Streamlining Government was a key element in his legislative package and a major first step in addressing our budget crisis.  This commission is a joint public and private sector initiative.  Of equal importance was the appointment of State Senator Jack Donahue as the committee chairman.  We now have the consummate helmsman to set the course and navigate us through perilous waters.  He is, without question, the right leader to chair this most challenging undertaking.  He is a seminal leader with rare analytical ability coupled with a demeanor that instills confidence in all that journey with him.  It’s been said that “anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm but great leaders emerge in times of crisis.”  We have the right pilot, and we most assuredly have a crisis!

Senator Donahue has immediately taken charge of the ship of state’s “bridge” with an innovative vision for implementing the Governor’s mandate.  This charge is that “Louisiana needs to act now to reduce the cost of government in preparation for severe revenue reductions and loss of federal funds.”  The streamlining of government commission was simply told that “everything is on the table,” and that, “make no mistake, this commission is not charged with creating another binder with some good options and ideas that just sit on a shelf and collect dust.”  This commission, the Governor stated, “is to make real and lasting reforms in state government.”  Previous attempts to “reinvent government” have made limited contributions; this commission is poised to make historic change.  There will surely be nay-sayers and those who seek to survive using old ploys and accounting maneuvers, but most agencies have so far been very cooperative and supportive.  They realize that “we are all in this boat together.”

The commission has been given inordinate latitude and authority to identify opportunities for elimination, consolidation and privatization or outsourcing.  Committee recommendations will be based on cost effectiveness and efficiency of services provided.  It has been tasked to establish standards, processes and guidelines to be used in the review and evaluation of governmental department activities.  An initial report with recommendations will be submitted for review and approval by December 15, 2009.

It’s been said that “you learn to know a pilot in a storm.”  I know Senator Jack Donahue, serving with him on his committee reviewing duplication and non-essential services.  He has demonstrated the traits so often associated with great leaders.  The greatest of these traits in my experienced opinion, is his ability to get others to do what he wants done because they want to do it.  There is no doubt that with his leadership we will revolutionize state government.  This community should be justly proud that “one of our own” was chosen to chart and pilot the states’ course, insuring that we retain the essential services of state government but jettisoning the non-essential cargo.

To this I say helms alee and right full rudder, full speed ahead!  As always…”my two cents for what it’s worth.”

Reposted from The Northshore Conifer: Linkback