TheParadoxofLocalGovernmentintheU.pptVIP

The Paradox of Local Government in the U.S. “Paradox”: “a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true” Growing external demands Limited financial resources Uncertain political will Main themes we will consider Who has the real authority to make policy or set direction? What is the appropriate level of autonomy or independence at each level? How should the need for unity be balanced against the expression of ethnic and cultural diversity? What is the right balance between continuity and innovation? How do government officials learn from past experience? “Were we directed from Washington when to sow, when to reap, we should soon want bread.” President Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826), “Autobiography” “All politics is local.” Hon. Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill (1912-1994) Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives Levels of government in the U.S. Federal State Local (cities and counties) Principal branches of government Executive/administrative Legislative (law-making) Judicial Limiting government’s power to make mistakes or cause damage On the other hand. . . . the danger of paralysis, gridlock, inaction, failure. The concept of “home rule” Precedent of calls for home rule for Ireland, India, and other would-be nations controlled by others Devolution from central authority to regional or local authorities The concept of people governing themselves Structural challenges to local democracy Efficiency Equity Ethics Planning for the future Reconciling sublocal, local, and regional concerns California, a state of 36 million One Governor 120 members of the California Legislature (40 Members of the Senate, 80 Members of the Assembly) 58 counties (the largest being Los Angeles County, with 10 million people) The role of county government in California Counties as a “subdivision” of the state High percentage (70 – 80%) of county budgets “mandated” by the state Basic responsibility for health and welfare, county hospitals, jails and juve