Budget choices: Former Gov. Arne Carlson makes the case for long-term reform
Former Gov. Arne Carlson emphasizes that solving today's problems may not solve tomorrow's, although he applauds Gov. Dayton and the legislature for "facing up to their responsibilities, and not kicking the can down the road for somebody else to deal with." To think beyond today's immediate concerns, Carlson proposes governmental reform to confront structural deficits. By looking to at least 2015, he says, this approach would bring long-term planning back into the equation, something that Tim Pawlenty dropped as governor. "From the position of a financial conservative," Carlson says, "this is an appropriate time to take a very dire situation and turn it into a positive." Reforms would emerge from assembling some of the most talented people from around the state.
"One thing Minnesota is loaded with, is visionary talent," says Carlson. He proposes forming a commission that would bring that talent to the table to design a vision of Minnesota five, 10, 20 years from now. Inspired by John F. Kennedy's dream of landing on the moon, the Peace Corps, and people like Hubert Humphrey and Walter Judd, Carlson sees this as a moment to re-envision leadership, redefine public service, and rethink how things are done. He points to various systems, designed decades ago—like public school districts, which, in his view, no longer serve their original purpose, or function efficiently—and to more recent innovations, such as distance learning, that have yet to be fully tapped.
"Minnesota may be a high tax state, but it's a wonderful place, with a tremendous quality of life," says Carlson, who adds that companies are more attracted to a state's amenities, than they are to low taxes. Still, he worries because Minnesotans' expectations for a certain quality of life are not currently being met in all areas. Carlson sees no gains in education, and in terms of a climate that grows jobs, he says the state has lagged.
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A Roseville native, Bruce Johansen (bruce.johansen@gmail.com) is a freelance writer and active resident of the Seward neighborhood.
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Assessing Governance is key to Government Reform
Reforming the State's budget in a meaningful manner while require lawmakers to assess the "governance" of delivery system. The economic system literally failed three years ago and the new economic system will contain a stronger social dimension created by the e-networks and an expansion of an ecological or green dimension. Adding these two dimensions to the economic system affects how government services will be accepted and how they will be delivered. Adding those two dimension to the economy, by definition, creates a broader governance structure. A broader government structure will allow for a smaller government structure. We the people get to participate in the delivery of our governmental needs beyond voting for a day. We can see and feel that already. Improving our state's water quality is directly dependent on a broader governance model as the private sector owns the vast majority of the land. The government is no longer able to manage a multi-dimensional economic system without our help. The pendulum is moving for sure and perhaps the helpful line will be, " Hi Government, I am from the private sector and I am here to help you". Hopefully those in the government will accept that their new role is not the whole role.
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