#385: Ok Then, Let's Make D.C. Work Better
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I checked out a comprehensive, government reform proposal, by Arnold Kling, writing in National Affairs, that proposed two new positions, a COO (chief operating officer) and an CA (chief auditor) to oversee federal bureaucracy. After checking out comments here, I realized that my initial ("...but you couldn't do that") reaction was correct. Kling's proposal is all but unworkable, as it ignores the reality of career civil servants, the existence of current department auditors, as well as congressional authority in these matters.
On the other hand, there's something perfectly aligned about the desire to reform government bureaucracy. The party in power at any given time will be doing itself a favor if it preempts the 'party of big government' label by seriously addressing the issue--especially halfway through a presidential term, when seeking a thumbs up from voters in midterm elections.
Nothing would win over more independent-minded voters than announcing an effort to, for example:
1. Take on, and rebuild, one government agency, or one area of responsibility per year.
2. Invite bi-partisan input from congress.
3. Appoint a how-government-works expert to oversee the reform.
4. Seek input and reform ideas from the affected workforce.
5. Split any monetary efficiencies between:
* employees (an incentive to make reform work)
* other budget priorities (perhaps everyone could vote for a favorite recipient program), and
* deficit reduction
Aim for less--but better--government. Start small, get bigger, then ask to 'finish the job' in 2024.
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