Getting in (fiscal) shape

At least 50 state workers have been assigned to work on the initiative full-time for the next nine months. Carcieri describes the program as a top-down, grassroots approach. It is apparently similar to an initiative that produced impressive results for Fleet Bank several years ago.

The idea is simple enough. Reach out to the people in the trenches. Get not only their ideas, but also empower them to work on ways to change the system.

“We will develop a robust portfolio of ideas aimed at reducing expenses and improving service,” said Carcieri. “Bottom line: we want to work smarter, better and leaner.”

There are two ways to look at Carcieri’s “Fiscal Fitness Program.” Cynics can expect little in the way of results, preferring instead to believe that the state workers taking part in the initiative are in fact a big part of a broken system to begin with and therefore, not likely to know how to fix it. Given our state government’s long history of bloated budgets and overspending, there is merit to that argument.

But we prefer to take a more positive approach and Carcieri’s progress during his first four months in office suggest that he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He believes this can work – so maybe it can.

This innovative program presents an opportunity – one that state employees should jump at. The governor is willing to listen. State workers should step forward – move through proper channels – and give him an earful. We’re not talking about whining about trivial matters. Save that for your immediate supervisor. But let’s hear some real suggestions as to how these state departments can be run more efficiently.

There is no better example than that of the state Division of Motor Vehicles. It is the subject of more complaints to State House operators than any other subject. It is a nightmare to visit that agency – always has been. It’s probably a lousy place to work. But surely there are experienced state workers who have legitimate ideas as to how to make it run more efficiently. This is an opportunity for them to speak up.

State workers should be heartened to hear that Carcieri is not looking to slash full-time employees as part of his “Fiscal Fitness Program.”

Instead, he is reaching out and asking them to begin fixing the system themselves. This is an opportunity that should not be missed. Because if it doesn’t work, if money is not saved and services are not enhanced, then the “Fiscal Fitness Program” will have to take on a much different, harsher look.

“Change is never easy,” said Carcieri. “Transforming government will be a significant challenge. No doubt, there will be roadblocks along the way. But the time is right to make us lean and efficient.… For the sake of the next generation of taxpayers, we must get down to business and deliver a state government that works for all of its citizens.”

In nine months, the impetus will be on Carcieri and his administration to deliver results. But right now, the impetus is on all state workers to take this opportunity and share their ideas on how to make state government run more efficiently.