CapitolFax.com - Latest Comments in Question of the Day

Re: Question of the Day

VanillaMan — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:26:52 -0000

Shared services is not a solution. Shared services is what happens when people who haven't a clue how to do their jobs at an optimum, who believe it is someone else's job to keep them informed, updated, and organized, hire outside consultants who hire college-age programmers to create systems to work around the massive ignorance found in most of our public administrators.

Our universities must recognize the new tech tools available to public administrators and teach them in order to open new doors in our field. The impact our new data systems are having on our public administrator's abilities to work data is swamping their abilities to do their jobs.

Who owns the data we use? How is it maintained? How is it cleaned? How is it stored? What good are the results our reports indicate when we do not have a knowledge of the data behind it?

Welcome to the 21st Century. The field of public administration is less gray, and more black and white than before thanks to data technologies. Guys who think they can just wing it, are going to find themselves plowed under by others who have their facts in order, checked, and provable.
A pretty face, a nice suit, and contacts will not get your foot in the door anymore.

Either public administrators master data or they will be mastered by computer programmers telling them what needs to be said without any insight as to the specific needs of public administrators. That is what is happening now in our governments.

Re: Question of the Day

Captain America — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:10:11 -0000

Utility Regulation and Pricing: Deregulation was a fraud perpetrated on the public because compettion is a myth. We probably need to move back to some form of modified public utility model for electricity. Presumably,it's going to be very complicated to move back towards a regulattory model for utility services.

Higehr education - is there a funding crisis: I am very concerned about the high cost of getting a college education in our public university system. It seems to be getting prohibitively expensive for the average person/family. I'm also very interested in maintaining/improving the quality of our public college education systems.

School fianance has been studied to death: We know waht to do. We just lack the political will to amke the necessary state funding reforms.

Economic development in a high tech world: This issue seem critical to maintaining the economic prosperity of the State. I am convinced that an abundant supply of fresh water in Illinois and the other Great Lakes states could give us a significant competitive advantage later in the 21st century.

Re: Question of the Day

Scratchy — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:25:10 -0000

THE UPCOMING VOTE ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION!

Re: Question of the Day

winco — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:42:38 -0000

Thanks Jerry. I know there are valid arguments against corn (kernel)-based ethanol, and other ethanol alternatives. these are exactly the things that U of I should examine. I would certainly hope that the Institute, whatever topics they choose (e.g., alternative energy), does not decide to just not talk about a major component of that topic, especially when there are billions of dollars (from the feds, at least) in subsidies currently going to that component (corn-kernel based ethanol).

Re: Question of the Day

Gun Guy — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:59:04 -0000

Never thought I'd agree with Dan Johnson-Weinberger, but here goes.

We need all sections of the Illinois Constitution studied and analyzed for fiscal impact in anticipation of a much needed Constitutional Convention.

Re: Question of the Day

Grace's Mom — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:14:03 -0000

Utility Regulation - the public (residentials)needs to be informed on what choices they may eventually have regarding which suppliers they can choose for cheaper prices. Education with sound public policy may bring in competition. Doubtful in this climate.

Re: Question of the Day

one of the 35 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:31:54 -0000

How about:

1.Sunshine laws which apply equally to state and local governments
2. Ethics regulations- not around the world, just here in Illinois.
3. Public transportation systems and infrastructure

Re: Question of the Day

Cassandra — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:56:05 -0000

The risks and rewards of de-institutionalization--reducing the prison, mental health and dd institutionalized populations as well as reducing the number of kids in foster care. We know that there are perverse incentives for keeping all these individuals in controlled environments but it would seem that getting them out of those environments and into community settings would be far more humane. Such efforts would also free up monies going to sustain huge state and private bureaucracies (and patronage armies) and improve the quality of the actual services the recipients actually get.

Re: Question of the Day

NIEVA — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:31:13 -0000

How about the huge waste in local goverment with county and township. This is a huge duplication of services and payroll?

Re: Question of the Day

demgrrl — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:35:35 -0000

VanillaMan,

Two words -- Shared Services. It's going to completely overhaul state HR, finance and personnel systems so they're brought into the 21st century. You rightly point out that the system is inefficient and broken at best. From what I hear, the state is making good progress on this program.

Speaking of inefficiencies, I think U of I should focus on what the state can do to consolidate the number of local governments in Illinois and adopt more efficient ways of runnign their operations --we have more local units of government than any other state in the nation. Let's start with the 900 or so school districts that each have their own bureaucracy of finance, personnel, hr, purchasing, etc. systems in place. Consolidating many districts or at least having them share some of the day to day operational services needed, rather than each having their own, could save a lot of dough.

There have already been way too many task forces on education and health care. I'm not sure what other ideas they can come up with that others have not already focused on. Instead, their focus should be on issues that can help state/local governments be more efficient and utilize 21st century technologies and systems.

Re: Question of the Day

VanillaMan — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:14:47 -0000

Listen -
All these topics so far have been pretty good, but I sit in meetings where good conversations and leadership take place, yet when it comes to getting the work done, the entire plan starts to unravel because these geniuses don't understand how to make data work for them. They don't understand how to do research using tech tools. They don't understand how to query a database in order to get a needed answer. They are 20th Century minds failing to function in the 21st Century office.

This isn't about knowing how to use a computer. This is about the need for most public administrators to understand how to take data, mine data, organize work loads, and basically know how to do their jobs in today's office. I am certain that the number of posts I see here are sincere, but really don't get it when it comes to this huge problem.

Too often I see public administrators relying on staff support for work they should do themselves, quicker, and with better understanding and execution. Their inability to understand data tools are forcing important decision makers to rely on 20 year old computer programmers. These guys work hard to decifer what the intention of public adminstrators and often failing.

We are not seeing the benefit of new data technologies within public administration because public administrators think of data as separate from decision making. You cannot have good decisions with bad data. You cannot analyse for good results without understanding the source of data or the query and databases behind the results.

The biggest challenge we face as public administrators is understanding how new data tools are making our jobs easier and different from in the past. I do not see new graduates understanding how to do their jobs with the tools now available to them.

So, it doesn't matter a fig if you want to address alternative energy, new tax sources, school reform or infrastructure. If you do not know how to handle the massive amount of data cascading from everywhere and available everywhere, you will flounder.

Public administrators also utterly fail to understand how to discriminate against data. They do not understand how to collect data from primary sources or how to clean data from secondary and other sources.

Big woo, so you want to make government work better? Then start teaching our future public administrators how to ride our new data tools in order to make better decisions on whatever issue we are addressing today or in the future.

GIGO - a huge problem in government today, with few understanding the extent of the damage.

Re: Question of the Day

Six Degrees of Separation — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:03:20 -0000

Jerry - I agree with Chicago to Milwaukee being served with conventional rail...look at the success of the Hiawatha Route. How many people actually fly from Chicago to Milwaukee...I guess it makes some sense if you're in the western or NW burbs, rather than driving downtown or to Lake Co. to catch the train. Not so sure about Chicago-Detroit, Chicago-Indy, Chicago-St.Louis. If it's a 4 or 5 hour train ride, you can drive it in nearly the same time and have your car available at the destination, or fly and be there within an hour.

Re: Question of the Day

Jerry — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:57:45 -0000

winco - we need to quit talking about corn based ethanol though - its just not very efficient. There's something called cellulosic ethanol, which is even more efficient than sugar cane (what Brazil uses to great success) ethanol.

I don't know much about it - it requires an extra step (more $$), but it is made using leftovers of other agricultural activities. Instead of using ears of corn, you'd use the corn plant and eat the ears. It is something that should be researched, and I think corn farmers would support it, as it would be an opportunity to get more $$ from their land.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Re: Question of the Day

City Voter — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:56:18 -0000

Examination of the revenue structure in the state - identify streams, identify trends, what are each funding, are they stable and adequate. Many issues identified - internet, sales tax, utilities, etc. - are symptoms of a larger problem that is greatly impacting the overall revenue structure and leading to shortfalls against expenditures. Also, examination of programs and intended goals/outcomes - better balance between state program expenditures and performance measurement. Illinois needs to look into the sound fundamentals of public finance.

Re: Question of the Day

Jerry — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:51:46 -0000

Six degrees, for short haul, I don't even think that HSR is needed. Underutilized lines need to be appropriated. Make them dedicated Amtrak lines. Traditional rail, if utilized correctly, could easily replace short haul flights. You can board in more locations, and you don't have the big problems with passing through security. And it can drop you in the middle of downtown, rather than on the fringes. And you can cab it from there, or rent a car.

I think HSR would be better for competing with middle and long distance air travel. But I can't claim to be an expert. I have taken a ride on Amtrak, and it was a pleasant experience, except for the return trip when my train was heavily delayed due to being stuck behind a freight line.
Then you need a sustained PR blitz to convince people to ride. If its successful, Amtrak could even be privatized, but you've got to give it a chance.

Re: Question of the Day

winco — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:47:16 -0000

Alternative fuel/energy are no-brainer issues for Illinois, with its vast agricultural resources, strong industrial base and need for new/replacement manufacturing jobs. Tied in with Illinois' mega-employers like Cat, Deere, and ADM, to name a few, Illinois should be the national leader on these issues. Instead, it seems like the state's Chicago-based elected officials think that casinos will better solve our problems.

This is not meant to be an endorsement of ethanol.. There are certainly plenty of downsides to ethanol that need thoroughly weighed. But there is, of course, more to alternative energy than ethanol.

Re: Question of the Day

Independent One — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:32:18 -0000

1. Alternative Fuels & Energy
Take a look at what Chelan County, Washington (Economic Development) is doing with rechargable vehicles (solar/electric). We all know there isn't a whole lot of sunshine in the Northwest, so if they can make a go of this then it should work elsewhere.

2. School Finances
This country is already in trouble with low scores in this area. Wake up and realize our children are the future of this country. Not everyone can afford a private education - so make the public one quality.

3. Healthcare
Everything in this area costs TOO MUCH. Maybe instead of financing every needy, & many not so needy, countries in the world, the U.S. can start funding some home grown healthcare. Stop foreign aid for just one year and let's see how we can fix our problem. Or, here's an idea, let's get our army out of Iraq and use that money.

Re: Question of the Day

Jerry — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:30:25 -0000

Alternative fuels, metro planning (that captures a lot of stuff), utilities regulation

Re: Question of the Day

Sage Observer — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:21:06 -0000

The intersection of school finance and Illinois' place in the global economy. If we don't fix it, we're toast.

Re: Question of the Day

Six Degrees of Separation — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:59:05 -0000

What Huh said. Although HSR has limited potental to serve part of the airlines' short haul market, it must be done right to compete (Like Europe or Japan with completely separate infrastructure). Not sure if the taxpayers have the stomach for the multi-billions this will cost, when they hesitate to fund the modes we already have.

Alt energy is important, but how much does a state influence what should be national policy? That being said, IL can do things to promote wind power and clean coal technology. I predict the ethanol boom will go bust as soon as electric cars become more economical...fast charge batteries will make electric recharge stations the infrastructure need of the next decade.

Health care issues - this is being played out in the court of public opinion from SiCKO to Blago's universal coverage. With an aging group of semi-wealthy Boomers who will demand the best of care, how will the underserved and less fortunate working poor fare?

Re: Question of the Day

He makes Ryan look like a sain — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:46:00 -0000

They should look into how the legal system changed in the political circles. Rutan Law, the trouble with George Ryan, Blago. What use to be considered legal and just good back room deals are now illegal and sending people to jail.

Another great topick would be to conpare the current Leg. System to the old system and determine which one was more effective.

Re: Question of the Day

Cal Skinner — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:43:17 -0000

I would be interested in learning if government subsidies to business are worth what they cost. I started out thinking of the huge subsidy to ADM on ethanol, but then skipped to the developers getting huge Tax Increment Financing district subsidies at the expense of local schools and other tax districts.

Re: Question of the Day

Huh? — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:26:38 -0000

#1 - Infrastructure improvements
Roads
Bridges
Water
Sewer
Electricity
Natural gas
Internet
Inland waterways (locks & dams)
Rail

Here are the reasons why - without roads and bridges, the economy will grind to a halt. Huge amounts of goods are transported on the highways. Rail and water will get the products so far. Trucks take it the rest of the way.

Water and sewer are public health issues. More and more water and sewer systems are coming under pressure from over use and poor maintenance. Clean water is critical to a health public.

Electricity and natural gas infrastructure is aging. Fewer companies are putting in new lines to feed the power hunger society that we have become. Nowadays there isn't an appliance or personal device that doesn't run off of electricty. Think of a power line as a water hose - there is only so much water (electricty) that can get through the hose (power line) before it bursts. The same goes for natural gas.

The internet - enough said.

Water transportation - With increasing drought durations, water levels of the inland waterways are declining. More needs to be done to maintain the shipping channels and locks. Larger locks are needed to reduce transit delays through the locking systems. If you have never seen how a lock and dam system works, on your next trip to Starved Rock, go by the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Dee Bennet Road east of Utica. The barges have to break the tow in half and lock through twice because the locks are too small for a modern tow. Barges carry huge amounts of materials when compared to rail or truck.

Rail - as previously mentioned by other writers, high speed rail should not have any money spent on it. Rather the money should be spent on ways to improve railroad crossing safety with grade separation structures. Improve how freight goes through the Chicago area. Chicago is the cross roads of America when it comes to rail road traffic. A significant portion of ALL railroad traffic goes through Chicago. The CREATE project is to streamline rail operations through Chicago.

Unfortunately there are a few people who will do anything to stop projects - HSP (Highly Sensitive People), CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) NIMFY (Not In My Front Yard)

Technology can do many things. But it takes infrastructure to make it work.

Re: Question of the Day

Anon — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:25:57 -0000

To Warrior,

Net metering legislation passed this year. See SB680.

Re: Question of the Day

game plan — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:11:45 -0000

1. Consolidation of school districts and the cost savings of the combined districts. Skokie is an excellent example. What will happen though is high school district teachers will say no way as their salaries are mingled with elementary districts. This isn't necessarily about south of I-80, it's the exhorbitant way inwhich, and i don't know how it got so bad, districts are monitored.

2. Also, not done yet, evaluate accross the nation the dollar amount per student to test grades using NAEP numbers. It should show revenue sources and state administration along with spending requirements. If there are 50 students in the public policy group, give them each a state with a set of guidelines - Per pupil spending, type of revenues streams - (example property taxes, exise taxes, lottery, sales and income, services taxes, luxury taxes), test scores for 3 thru 12, exit requirements, special education, average teacher salaries, average administrator salaries, poverty counts, forumulas, oh I could go on....

Then take a look at the best. Have conversations with each state board of ed.