tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post1162963878128878670..comments2023-11-05T04:34:10.303-05:00Comments on The Naked City: Consolidation -- did anyone notice?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-3253164170704666732008-12-12T07:19:00.000-05:002008-12-12T07:19:00.000-05:001. there is ZERO evidene that the cost of governme...1. there is ZERO evidene that the cost of government would decline. Every governmental function hta thas been consolidated (police, utilities, park/rec) has beccome more expensive, not less after consolidation. The gains, in other words are wholly speculative.<BR/><BR/>2. Consolidation is anti-democratic. The specific cost of consolidation is LESS effective representation of the people. Fewer representatives for the same population makes every individual's voice a little weaker when speaking to government, and makes each representative less accountable at the polls. <BR/><BR/>3. Consolidation of power in the hands of fewer people means a less contentious process, but is it precisely the tension and competition between city and county that often slows down the process and allows more input, reflection, and consideration. A streamlined government is more likely to make big mistakes quickly.<BR/><BR/>the gains are wholly speculative, the costs are not. IT's the last thing the people of the region need.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-32577889747711670292008-12-05T11:42:00.000-05:002008-12-05T11:42:00.000-05:00I think Concord and Kannapolis are the best candid...I think Concord and Kannapolis are the best candidates to consolidate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-18193165516735168882008-12-04T13:45:00.000-05:002008-12-04T13:45:00.000-05:00Well said, Cato. Kinda like the beach mansion ins...Well said, Cato. Kinda like the beach mansion insurance being paid for by jacking up the rates for someone in a log cabin in the mountains.<BR/><BR/>And I doubt a consolidated GovCo would find reason to reduce headcount. On the contrary, they'd have to have more to keep their eyes on a larger universe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-84777630297845572782008-12-03T20:42:00.000-05:002008-12-03T20:42:00.000-05:00This sounds like a decaffienated version of the re...This sounds like a decaffienated version of the regionalism that many of our local planning fetishists adore. <BR/><BR/>Some berg like Huntersville doesn't want to use property taxes to extend the rail line? Then take away Huntersville's autonomy. <BR/><BR/>Any savings that might be had from reduced managerial headcount would be dwarfed by the expansion of city big-ticket projects county-wide. And the hinter regions of the county would get the privilege of paying through the nose for more uptown gewgaws. <BR/><BR/>Vibrance all around!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-91955112139432057252008-12-03T16:01:00.000-05:002008-12-03T16:01:00.000-05:00It could be a silver lining to the economic downtu...It could be a silver lining to the economic downturn. The government beast may finally be starved into submission and have to combine operations and downsize like every one else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-59191607647687422542008-12-03T10:29:00.000-05:002008-12-03T10:29:00.000-05:00Why do we keep electing such people to office? cu...Why do we keep electing such people to office? <BR/><BR/>cuz were dum. thx CMS!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19601020.post-48817801763441075702008-12-03T09:43:00.000-05:002008-12-03T09:43:00.000-05:00"It's an idea that arises once a decade or so and ..."It's an idea that arises once a decade or so and gets shot down after politicians realize there would be fewer elected jobs for them to run for."<BR/><BR/>In other words, their greed for power stops them from doing what is possibly best for the people they represent.<BR/><BR/>Why do we keep electing such people to office?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com