In most cases, private sector companies could perform these functions cheaper, faster, better, and with more choices. St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman has proposed that such services be placed out for bids, but bureaucrats and public service unions are protesting. Political leaders should have the sense to turn away their self-interested complaints and enact reform in the public s interest. We can t allow bureaucrats to dictate bad public policy and inefficient delivery of government services. If we do, citizens will feel an even greater disconnect between themselves and government, and become even more cynical about politics, politicians, and public service.
Political leaders have two choices.
The easy option is to keep entrenched bureaucracies, stifle choice, hoard information, and alienate a citizenry that expects more from its institutions. The harder, but more rewarding, option will be to right-size government operations, put most public services out for bids, and give people more choices. Ron Eibensteiner is chairman of Wyncrest Capital, Minneapolis.