Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/11/2006 - 11:00am.
Here's an idea in a few easy steps.
1. Identify the hacks.
2. Stop paying them.
3. Get sued.
4. Call the AG to defend the state.
5. Use legal delay tactics.
6. Use more legal delay tactics.
7. Settle for an undisclosed amount of money.
This keeps the hacks away from the policy making process and humiliates them for good measure. Most of them are probably just running up years of service for retirement, so the settlements would be modest. I'm sure there will be some sort of buy out early in the Spitzer administration which will cleanse the ranks further.
As for authorities and commissions, it's much tougher. The AG, comptroller and inspector general (totally underutilized by Pataki) are essential here. I would subjest these outfits and their leadership to constant scrutiny. I would make their job supremely unpleasant. No conferences, speeches, cocktail parties. Reviews of hours worked, headcounts, productivity. Meticulous attention to the contracting process. Reviews of e-mail and other internal communications. Frequent legislative initiatives that threaten their existence. Some grandfathered lobbying restrictions would help move the truly inept to the door.
Here's an idea in a few easy steps.
1. Identify the hacks.
2. Stop paying them.
3. Get sued.
4. Call the AG to defend the state.
5. Use legal delay tactics.
6. Use more legal delay tactics.
7. Settle for an undisclosed amount of money.
This keeps the hacks away from the policy making process and humiliates them for good measure. Most of them are probably just running up years of service for retirement, so the settlements would be modest. I'm sure there will be some sort of buy out early in the Spitzer administration which will cleanse the ranks further.
As for authorities and commissions, it's much tougher. The AG, comptroller and inspector general (totally underutilized by Pataki) are essential here. I would subjest these outfits and their leadership to constant scrutiny. I would make their job supremely unpleasant. No conferences, speeches, cocktail parties. Reviews of hours worked, headcounts, productivity. Meticulous attention to the contracting process. Reviews of e-mail and other internal communications. Frequent legislative initiatives that threaten their existence. Some grandfathered lobbying restrictions would help move the truly inept to the door.