Minnesconsin is a good idea with terrible results.
What's even more disgusting than the paltry $77,000 Minnesota and Wisconsin have saved is the mealy-mouthed leadership that pays lip service to the idea that the two states can save money together and then turns around and does virtually nothing.
Shame on Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and shame on Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. In made-for-media press conferences that probably cost more than the $77,000 that was saved, the two glad-handed each other and set out a modest proposal for the states to save $10 million by teaming up to buy in bulk and share resources.
Several months later, we have $77,000 to show for the anemic efforts that have mostly been an exercise in bureaucracy in which bureaucrats give many reasons why the two states can't work together, all the while forgetting the one important reason to partner: It saves money.
But in this case, the bureaucrats aren't solely to blame.
ADVERTISEMENT
The governors formulated this plan; now they should find the backbone it takes to get it done. ...
If the governors are unwilling to make such a modest proposal a reality (what's $10 million in the face of a combined $12 billion shortfall?), then quit wasting precious staff time and the media's time with the charade.
The results have been so abysmal that aides in both states could barely give any examples of savings...
This little experiment ... has failed on two counts.
First, the leadership has refused to demand and guide this process, cutting through the red-tape by executive order or otherwise.
Second, the two governors have set the goal way too low. $10 million: Is that all?
Winona Daily News
