I went to a legislative hearing this afternoon to show support for a piece of legislation. Sat with some friends. Waited for an hour for the legislators to show, then had to leave for another appointment. Recently, a friend of mine waited three hours only to receive word that the hearing was postponed. That's less than amusing if one has driven in from a remote part of the state.
I studied government in school, wrote an obscure book on Arizona politics, have worked in government and have dealt with politicians. The inherent inefficiency of government is no surprise. In some respects, it can even be a blessing.
It still amazes me, however, how often politicians keep citizens waiting.
2 comments:
What can be interesting, is the market's response to this problem:
Linestanding, pay a minimum wage person to stand in line for you, and then switch places just before the hearing starts. They also serve a double duty of keeping you informed about the status of the hearing.
I knew a guy who ran a small business of this in DC, for the various hearings etc in the US Capitol. A significant number of companies used the service, and the guy running it had a large number of contacts to keep ahead of the upcoming events and the changing schedules. (The guy since left the area to pursue a law degree).
I lived half a year in Cocoa, Florida which is in the shadow of Cape Kennedy. I was lucky enough to witness one or two night shots (the most spectacular of the rocket shows) but I learned early on never to organize a schedule around a launch schedule. Too many delays, re-schedules and scrubs.
As a cafeteria manager I made an interesting observation about waiting. While waiting in line everyone wants it to go faster but when it comes someone's turn to be served no one wants to be "rushed." Tension at the core of democracy.
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