Working smarter in leaner times

Last update: February 15, 2009 - 1:29 PM

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THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME to create a more efficient Minnesota. Facing large budget deficits at the state, county and local levels, Minnesotans are seeing with new clarity that the public sector must adapt to new economic realities. Only the smartest, most strategic reinvention will ensure that our tax dollars are spent on the best programs and services. ¶ Beginning today, the Star Tribune Editorial Board will explore public-sector efficiency in an occasional series called "Streamlining Minnesota.'' In editorials, columns, commentary, letters to the editor and blog posts, we'll discuss and debate the best ideas offered by taxpayers, legislators, experts, business leaders and other voices from around the state. ¶ While state government will get plenty of attention, we'll also look at ways our counties, cities and schools can become more efficient. ¶ Our readers will play a critical role in this effort. Post your reactions and ideas in the comment areas on our Opinion Exchange blog at startribune.com/opinion, where you'll find a section devoted to the series. As always, send your letters and proposed commentary to opinion@startribune.com, or Editorial Department, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN, 55488. ¶ These wrenching economic times present an opportunity for change. With Streamlining Minnesota, we hope to serve as the host for one of the more important public policy discussions of 2009.

SCOTT GILLESPIE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

sgillespie@startribune.com

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Opinion Exchange is produced by the Editorial Department, which is dedicated to hosting the discussion on a range of issues of interest to Star Tribune readers online and in print. In its new format, it's our hope that Opinion Exhange will create a more dynamic dialogue between Star Tribune readers and the Editorial Board. Many individual posts will be written and signed by members of the Editorial Board and will reflect their own opinions. Daily editorials will continue to represent the institutional voice of the newspaper and be researched and written by the Editorial Department, which is independent of the newsroom.

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