Public choice Archives | Voice For Liberty

Apr

Efficiency has not come to Kansas government

Kansas state government needs to cut spending, but finds itself in a difficult situation of its own making. The budget bill under consideration in the Kansas Legislature calls for spending $3 million for the production of an efficiency analysis review. It's a good idea, but is too late to help the legislature balance the budget this year. Trimming Kansas government spending is a long-term project. The legislature has looked at several bills that would help control spending, but has not passed the bills. Had they been passed when introduced, the state would be in a much better position to make…

WichitaLiberty.TV: Wichita’s legislative agenda, and a bit of bad news

Dec

By Bob Weeks

WichitaLiberty.TV: Wichita’s legislative agenda, and a bit of bad news

In this episode of WichitaLiberty.TV: A look at some elements of Wichita’s legislative agenda for state government, in particular special tax treatment for special artists, problems with the city’s numbers regarding airfares, and why we should abandon the pursuit of passenger rail. Then, why are people not more involved in political affairs? View below, or click here to view at YouTube. Episode 67, broadcast December 7, 2014.

Nov

By Bob Weeks

‘Public Choice’ explains much of government and politics

If you've wondered why government is as it is, the school of public choice economics offers insight and explanation. The Institute of Economic Affairs, a London think tank, has published Public Choice -- A Primer. This short book explains the topic of public choice. By understanding it, we can learn more about how government and its actors operate. Here's a description of public choice from the book's web page: "Market failure" is a term widely used by politicians, journalists and university and A-level economics students and teachers. However, those who use the term often lack any sense of proportion about…

Oct

By Bob Weeks

Again, Wichita policies are fluid

Wichita city hall promises policies that are clear, predictable and transparent, except when they're not. On July 22, 2104, a presentation to the Wichita City Council sought to assure the council and public that a proposed jobs fund created with money collected by the proposed sales tax would have policies that govern the spending of funds: "GWEDC - Finds businesses to expand, recruit, follows established policies for retention/recruitment." But there's a problem. It's difficult for governments to establish policies that will satisfy everyone. How do we know today what we'll need five or ten years down the road? When governments…

Wichita seeks to form entertainment district

May

By Bob Weeks

Wichita seeks to form entertainment district

A proposed entertainment district in Old Town Wichita benefits a concentrated area but spreads costs across everyone while creating potential for abuse. This week the Wichita City Council will consider forming an entertainment district covering greater Old Town. The purpose of the new law, according to city documents, is to help control crime in the area. Current law enforcement efforts are not effective, declares the proposed statute: "WHEREAS, the occurrence of criminal activity in the Old Town Entertainment District and areas adjacent thereto continues to occur despite law enforcement’s increased efforts and presence within this district." Some of the features…