RESPONSE - Olson

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QUESTION #3 - October 28, 1994:

Today, Minnesotans feel government is less relevant to their lives and are
having a hard time seeing how the benefits associated with government are
worth the costs.  As the chief executive of Minnesota's state government,
how will you demonstrate the importance of state government to the citizens
of Minnesota.  In other words, where are the costs resulting in clear
societal gains?  Suggested issues you might address include information
infrastructure, public education, health care, etc.

ERIC OLSON:

WITH STATE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS CONTINUING TO BE FUNDED EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE
EITHER FULFILLED THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSE OR FAILED TO MEET THEIR OBJECTIVES,
IT IS QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE THAT MINNESOTANS ARE HAVING A HARD TIME SEEING
WHERE THE BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT ARE WORTH THE COSTS.

AS GOVERNOR, I WOULD REQUIRE THAT ALL STATE PROGRAMS HAVE "SUNSET
LEGISLATION" PROVISIONS WRITTEN INTO THEM.  THIS WAY, EACH AND EVERY
PROGRAM WOULD HAVE TO SET UP OBJECTIVE, DEFINABLE GOALS AND WOULD BE
REVIEWED ON PERIODIC BASIS.  ANY PROGRAM COMPLETING IT'S DEFINED MISSION
AND THOSE PROGRAMS FAILING TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS WOULD CEASE TO FUNDED.
WITH LEGISLATION WRITTEN IN THIS MANNER, MINNESOTANS WOULD KNOW THAT THEIR
STATE GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMS ARE RELEVANT, COST-EFFECTIVE, AND
RESULTS-ORIENTED.

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