In these days of economic and business
downturns, the idea of thrift often seems overlooked or forgotten
in
some government operations at all levels, including at the local
level. Fiscal responsibility in government is thought by many to
be
an oxymoron, but in this new age of, hopefully a renewal of proper
principles perhaps a new awareness of of return to a modicum of
adherence to the age old principle of “Use it up, wear it out, make
it
do or do without.”
In an ongoing analysis, in particular,
of school budgets over recent years, it has become evident that
the
idea is more of 'how much are we getting, and how can we spend
it.” A report from board meeting not to long ago, brought this
exchange:
“We are happy to report that (this
project) has come in under budget.”
“Oh good, we have more projects we
need to do.”
Even with shovel-ready, cheap interest
and low bids from needy businesses, hopefully, we can return to
the
once respected principles and understanding of between differences
needs vs. wants, and plain old fashioned thrift.
The embodiment of fiscal
responsibility
should be inherent in our decision making processes, it should be
basic to our very purpose and included in our values statements.
Unfortunately, it too often seems absent.
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