Did you hear about this?....

I bet you thought "this" was going to be a gossipy tidbit, right? You won't find that here. Gossip downright bores me and I'm just not into it. But what I am into is Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's new idea of reaping suggestive solutions from his constituents to fix the state budget. He's set up a first of its kind interactive website which allows residents to see for themselves the fiscal crisis in Illinois, then come up with ideas they feel would help. What a concept!

Now, of course, there are those naysayers who just can't help but grab the cynical side of life and say, "our leadership shouldn't be relying on the people to fix things. After all, that's what we elected them to do.". True. But I also know in our own Lauderdale County there are those who were very upset that the people didn't have a say-so in the method of trash pickup. Granted, that's on a smaller scale than a budget, but isn't it really the same thing? If the people have a say, and feel they are being heard, the outcome is sure to be good. Or would it be?

I can't help but wonder how that could work in our city, county, or state. If "the powers that be" would think along the lines of Governor Quinn, how would we feel about being given the right to have a say as to how our money is being spent? Do we prefer the type of government, however local, making all decisions for us so we won't have to be bothered? Or perhaps we are the type to actually believe we should have an active role in the betterment of our community and state.

David Vaught, Director of the Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget says, "The Quinn Administration is committed to openness and transparency, and this site gives everyone the opportunity to become engaged in the budget process." "Transparency". Where have I heard it used on a local level?

By definition, good leadership stands the test of time. And more than likely, so will Quinn's website. It will be interesting to watch and see if it works for the state of Illinois. I hope it does. Like so many other areas of our nation, including our own, there is a dire need for new concepts in government. I'm hoping those who we've allowed to hold our purse strings will consider Gov. Quinn's idea. One thing we need to keep in mind though, what is done with these suggestions remains to be seen.

For those interested in Quinn's website, you can find it at this address: www.budget.illinois.gov. I look forward to reading your thoughts on it.

Always~
Cha