Reader Richard Lassin is convinced that public agencies are broke these days mainly because they waste money. In face he’s willing to bet money on it.
Lassin wrote: “Several friends and I believe that wasteful spending is the primary reasons so many public institutions are broke.
“I’m willing to shell out $200 for the best story about how money gets wasted everyday. Let’s restrict our search to Michigan State University, the Lansing School District, the City of Lansing, and the State of Michigan.
“We can … let your readers pick the best one. Maybe, a LSJ reporter can verify the accuracy of the claims.”
As I’ve learned over and over again, proving alleged wastes in government generally requires a whistleblower willing to go on the record. Times being what they are, few whistleblowers are willing to risk their jobs.
But, what do you think — does Lassin’s idea have legs?
