The "Drive to Excellence" campaign announced by Gov. Tim Pawlenty Monday will succeed if it can deliver on his promise of better state government at a far lower cost. The key will be breaking down walls between departments and agencies, encouraging more innovation. This is easier said than done in any organization, let alone a massive government bureaucracy (remember Al Gore's vaunted efforts to streamline the federal government in the 1990s). Pawlenty estimates that his proposal will save state taxpayers $570 million over the next three biennia, or roughly $100 million annually. That, alone, won't close the state's projected $1.4 billion gap in the coming biennium (that's $700 million for the inflation-deniers out there). But it's a start, and an effort worthy of support.
The governor proposes, among other things, to:
- Create more "one-stop" opportunities for citizens and businesses who need something from the state government, say permits to expand a business or a professional license.
Along those lines, this page has enthusiastically supported the efforts of Sheryl Corrigan, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, to streamline the state's notorious permitting process and made the agency more responsive to customers. Corrigan is developing pilot programs with the DNR and Health and Human Services to improve the delivery of services as well as leading BizNice, a one-stop permitting process for businesses dealing with the Department of Employment and Economic Development and PCA.
- Increase electronic delivery of government services.
Minnesota has among the highest percentage of wired households in the nation and a wealth of local models for eGovernment. Check out Dakota County's site for a prime example. There a resident may register for parks programs, apply for a marriage license and pay property taxes through electronic transfer.
- Appoint a chief information officer for the state to help rid government of redundant and inefficient computer systems.
- Look for efficiencies and cost-savings in the state's massive purchasing system, moving toward centralized purchasing. Minnesota spends more than $1 billion a year with more than 25,000 vendors.
- Consolidate the regulation of building construction from six agencies into one.
- Consolidate management of state buildings and lands, now handled by no fewer than 14 state agencies.
Pawlenty can carry out many of these initiatives through gubernatorial directive, but will require legislative action for others.
The tri-partisan collection of state lawmakers who stood at the lectern with him for the announcement of the "Drive to Excellence" Monday bodes well.
We like the entrepreneurial eye that the governor is bringing to state government and would encourage him to be aggressive in his efforts to trim back bureaucratic fat to get to the lean muscle of essential services.
Think leaner, without being meaner.
Quelle: Twincities Pioneer Press, 05.04.2005
