Otherwise known as “the law of increased government spending,” Wagner’s law is founded on the idea that as personal incomes grow so will government budgets. It is considered the first model of public expenditure in the history of public finance. With this newfound enlightenment, you’d think personal income in Cook County’s private sector has skyrocketed in the last few years,... READ MORE >
Well, it’s that time of year again — budget season! Budgeting has been characterized as one of the most delicate “balancing acts” that local officials engage in during the year. Establishing and maintaining strong and transparent budget processes and practices should be a matter of concern for all county residents. Unfortunately, it’s become too easy for local leadership to become... READ MORE >
Ever wonder who coined the phrase, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way?” The sentiment of this belief originated in 1640 in a collection of over 1,000 aphorisms gathered from several countries by Welsh-born poet and orator George Herbert. The compilation, published in 1652 as part of Herbert’s Remains, 19 years after Herbert’s death at the age of 39, included... READ MORE >
As long as we’ve come to indulge the often extravagant diversion empowered by reimagining, how ’bout, in the course of envisioning a redesign of the Highway 61 corridor through Grand Marais, we reimagine a “town-hopping” freeway that bypasses the community of Grand Marais altogether? This would leave Highway 61 to the people who want to pedal their bikes and put... READ MORE >
I know it’s next to impossible to change people or make them realize things they don’t want to see. Such appears to be the case with Cook County’s administrator. After all, we’ve had four years to observe how he operates …his modus operandi. The Budget Process … Given we are in the middle of another budget season, consider his approach... READ MORE >
In 1967 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation commissioned singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot to write a song in commemoration of Canada’s Centennial. Gordon weaved his well-chosen words and music into a remarkably crafted tapestry telling the story of Canada and the building of the Canadian Pacific Railroad; a song many a Canadian suggests should be Canada’s second national anthem. As I was listening... READ MORE >
Once again, we are reminded non-taxable government agencies are the largest landowners in northeastern Minnesota. Of Cook County’s 2,137,600 acres, for instance, 91 percent is owned by government agencies; leaving 9 percent taxable. Because the majority of local governments are largely financed by property taxes, this inability to tax the property values from non-taxable government agencies unquestionably affects Cook County’s... READ MORE >
When it comes to just about any topic, it seems as if the public discourse is dominated by rhetoric, statistical noise or just flat-out propaganda…people pushing and shoving for prominence in the public square or on the printed page. How quickly objectivity is obscured when it threatens to undercut this “messaging” and the “image” that is being pawned. Author Mike... READ MORE >
Aware hiring a county administrator was a critical decision and one that could have long-lasting impacts for years to come, the Cook County community: county governance and citizens, was tasked with identifying ways in which focused professional management could improve efficiency in providing county services, reduce costs and taxes, and promote the countywide interests of its citizens. Before making their... READ MORE >
We’ve all been there, afloat on a pristine lake, the sun’s promenade lucid on the surface of the water, attended by a soft breeze sifting through the trees along the water’s edge; when a bank of clouds roll in off the lake and everything changes. American contemporary folk singer songwriter, Cheryl Wheeler, characterizes, “It seems so still, so safe, so... READ MORE >
By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy.AcceptPrivacy policy
