Join us to fight government waste

It should be obvious that government has a greater need to be efficient today than ever before.

Governments everywhere are having trouble paying their bills. In the case of the state of Illinois, the depth of the late payments is actually immoral and scandalous. But this problem isn't just a state problem. Municipalities, school districts, parks, libraries, counties, all kinds of taxing body are grappling with massive budget problems.

And they can't simply look to taxpayers, already pinched by a deep recession, to bail them out as they have in the past.

More today than ever before, they must be cost-conscious. They must be efficient.

We're not saying that they don't try. The state is operating with some limited staff furloughs. School district after school district is laying off teachers and staff. Many towns have had to make tough choices on spending; some have canceled summer festivals or cut back on fireworks shows. And these are only a few examples. We think that most are trying.

But we also don't think this comes natural to government, certainly not as natural to governments as it comes to private industry. Governments don't always operate in the real world and because of it, they don't always see the waste.

So we're here to help. And we're looking for you to partner with us in that effort.

We're going on a campaign.

Here is our vow: We're making a priority of searching out waste in government spending. In some instances, that means exposing it when the waste is clear. In others, that means exploring pros and cons when an example of government spending is questionable.

Here's how you can help. If you're aware of government waste, tell us about it. If you're skeptical about a government expense, let us know. We prefer to get your name and contact information for follow-up questions, but we'll take anonymous tips too.

Call our government waste hotline at 847-427-4580. We'll be setting up an special e-mail account as well to handle your tips.

Here's an example of what we're talking about.

Last month, we reported how the Glen Ellyn Park District spent $11.2 million on a fitness center when the voters had approved the project at $7.4 million. What private business would spend that much more than planned on a building? What family would agree to 50 percent in add-ons to a house they were building? No one. But governments have a way sometimes of thinking tax money is free.

Here's another example. Last week, we published a scoop about the state's woefully late rent payments for legislative offices. Which prompted us to ask, has the state ever considered housing legislative offices in other state buildings and saving the rent payments altogether?

There's more. A lot more. Help us ferret it out.