Daley Privatizing the Taste of Chicago

by Ashley Muchow Chicago mayor, Richard Daley has announced the Windy City will consider privatizing its recycling program and lakefront festivals to assist in closing the city’s budget deficit.  Though a nominal amount compared to the state’s $13 billion budget deficit, Daley is determined to close the city’s $655 million budget hole without raising taxes. Following well known moves...

by Ashley Muchow

Chicago mayor, Richard Daley has announced the Windy City will consider privatizing its recycling program and lakefront festivals to assist in closing the city’s budget deficit.  Though a nominal amount compared to the state’s $13 billion budget deficit, Daley is determined to close the city’s $655 million budget hole without raising taxes.

Following well known moves to make various government-run operations more efficient – including suggestions to privatize McCormick Place and his parking meter handoff in 2008 – Daley remains confident that many services are less costly if contracted out or provided by private businesses.

Considering the recent developments exposing the inefficiency and waste of Chicago’s recycling program, ousting the current system is more than logical, it is financially responsible.  Daley’s approach, though unpopular to some, is creative, practical, and beneficial to taxpayers.  Many government-provided services are financially disadvantageous when likened to the efficiencies and costs found in the private sector.  Our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, and a recent Institute report, highlight many examples of state government workers receiving wages far surpassing those of the average state wage estimates for the same position.

Privatization is a smart and effective tool our state could use to cut down spending and attack the budget deficit.  See John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, speak with Fox News about the current fiscal crisis and propose practical solutions to balance the budget.

Higher taxes and more borrowing will not get Illinois back on track.  It’s time we consider other options – privatizing inefficient government services is one of many.