 Governor Paterson Announces Launch of 'Straight Talk, Straight Answers' Blog
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Yesterday, Governor Paterson announced the launch of the Straight Talk, Straight Answers blog where the Governor and senior administration officials will respond directly to the questions, concerns and suggestions posted by New Yorkers on the Straight Talk from the Taxpayer interactive web feature. "The overwhelming response to the Straight Talk from the Taxpayer interactive web feature shows that New Yorkers have a lot to say about government reform and efficiency, and they are ready to participate in the reform process," Governor Paterson said. "My staff and I will continue to monitor these ideas and will now be able to respond with information and answers. These new interactive features will be invaluable as we continue to make government more open and accountable to all New Yorkers." Governor Paterson announced Straight Talk from the Taxpayer on Tuesday, April 13, as an interactive web feature which allows taxpayers to submit, discuss, and vote on their own ideas to cut government spending, streamline government operations and provide property tax relief. In the two weeks since this feature became active, 305 ideas were submitted, 765 comments have been posted, over 20,000 votes have been cast and 1,267 individuals have signed up to use this feature. The Governor's new blog, Straight Talk, Straight Answers, was set up to respond to taxpayer input and to inform taxpayers about progress made to implement their ideas. The Governor and his staff have already responded to comments including: Efficient State Car Fleet Management: A taxpayer posted: "Want to save a fortune, eliminate take home cars for employees. If they need a car for government business let them go to work and sign out a car." Response: The Governor took aggressive steps to impose strict limitations on how State vehicles are used. In the past two years, travel costs have been reduced by an estimated 22%. State agency vehicles can be used only for official business, and their use for any personal business is strictly forbidden, except under very limited circumstances expressly authorized by agency policy. In addition, State agencies may not dedicate cars to specific individuals except in extraordinary circumstances approved by senior State officials. Last summer the Governor directed agencies to reduce costs by limiting State employee travel to only those instances when it is essential and there's no other way to participate (like conference call). In many cases, the use of a personal car is actually more expensive than the use of a State car, rental car or mass transit. That's why we put a new policy in place that requires employees to use a travel calculator to determine the cheapest way to travel (by the way, PEF is challenging this).
A taxpayer posted: "It is time to stop the "double dipping" from the State coffers. Retirees (School and BOCES Administrators included) should not be allowed to retire and then come right back to work 2-3 days per week as a paid consultant." Response: Upon retirement, many public sector employees go back to work to supplement their pensions. State law allows those State retirees who go back to work for the State or local government to earn up to $30,000 and still collect their State pension. Hiring an experienced worker for under $30,000 is often more cost effective than hiring a new worker. In any case State agencies will only make such hires when there is a real need for the position. There is a also a process where the retired State employee may request a waiver from the $30,000 cap for a limited period of time and when the hiring agency demonstrates that there is no qualified non-retiree to fill the position. In April of 2009, Governor Paterson instituted a new policy that established a more vigorous review of these waivers with the intention of limiting such waivers to essential law enforcement and public health positions, and denying them for high-level executive personnel. Since that policy has been put into effect, the number of such waivers has been reduced by 38%. Valerie Grey, Director of State Operations, said: "This is an excellent example of how State government should operate. These web features facilitate an open dialogue between taxpayers and the Governor's office, ensuring greater accountability, transparency and ability to address concerns promptly and effectively." Governor Paterson created the Office of Taxpayer Accountability (OTA) in June 2009 to save taxpayer dollars and provide property tax relief to local taxpayers. The Governor directed the OTA to shrink government, reduce costs, eliminate waste, and increase transparency and accountability. Several OTA reform recommendations were included in the Governor's 2010-2011 Executive Budget, including agency consolidations, mergers, shared services and mandate relief reform. To visit the Office of Taxpayer Accountability (OTA) please click here . Straight Talk, Straight Answers can be found at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/straighttalkstraightanswers . Straight Talk from the Taxpayer can be found at: http://www.straighttalkny.ideascale.com/ . |