The husky governor in our fine state of New Jersey is proposing massive privatization programs for many state services. According to the Bergen Record:
State parks, psychiatric hospitals and even turnpike toll booths could also be run by private operators, according to the 57-page report on privatization obtained by The Star-Ledger. Preschool classrooms would no longer be built at public expense, state employees would pay for parking and private vendors would dish out food, deliver health care and run education programs behind prison walls.
All told, the report says, New Jersey could save at least $210 million a year by delivering an array of services through private hands.
I know that liberals are supposed to be against all forms of privatization, but I just can't get too worked up about this. If you've ever been to the DMV offices in Paramus, you'll know that a trained monkey could do it better than those guys.
When we first moved to New Jersey, I wrote a blog post about my experiences there.
Later this afternoon, I had to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, because my license expires tomorrow. DMV, the waiting room for hell. All in shades of taupe and sea green, designed to put the throngs of hopeful drivers into a state of stupor. I came with a satchel of paperwork with my name, date of birth, and new address. One hour later, a woman with purple finger nails and red pants came out of an inner room and shouted in 152, 153, 154 and 155. 155 -- that's me. It seems that number shouting was this woman's entire responsibility. Something that a nice sign could have accomplished. Anyhow, the license thing finally happened. One thing checked off the list.
It's worth reading the comment sections in the Bergen Record, just for the nasty nicknames for Christie - Governor Lard Lad and Governor Crispy. Sue me, I'm a child!
For the record, he's the one that you should be watching, not Palin. Also, Bobby Boy Jindal is slowly resuscitating his national image.