Editorial

Economic pain could result in gain in efficiency

Thursday, April 30, 2009

"No pain, no gain" is usually a mantra for athletes -- or participants in programs like the McCook YMCA's "Biggest Loser" contest, who will be recognized in a ceremony tonight.

But the same holds true for business, unfortunately, such as the big car companies, which are shedding nameplates and employees, and in one case, apparently going into bankruptcy while joining forces with a foreign carmaker.

The current minor flap involving Red Willow County and the City of McCook, which somehow caught the McCook Economic Development Corp. in the crossfire, is an example of the "pain" that results from tough economic times.

One Gazette online reader called on commissioners to avoid an "us vs. them" attitude and remember that 70 percent of county taxpayers also live inside the McCook city limits. The same reader suggested that the answer might be "just one governing body -- a city-county board or council elected at large by all the county residents. It would certainly be more efficient and result in cost savings for everyone."

We've used this space in the past to suggest that county-wide law enforcement might be desirable, but the reader takes that one step farther.

In tough economic times, it's important that every taxpayer dollar be stretched as far as possible, and steps are already be taken in that direction -- one-stop auto titling and registration, for example. With sweeping changes in technology, each and every possible opportunity for automation and cost-saving should be examined carefully.

With the proper leadership, the pain of the current economic downturn should result in gain in the form of more efficient government.

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