League of Women Voters of Saratoga County

Privatization Study

Privatization is a world-wide phenomenon, exacerbated by the so-called "austerity" agenda, rampant in both the U. S. and Europe, to cut taxes and cut government budgets and services. Our League continues to examine privatization of public resources, as part of the LWVUS nation-wide consensus study.

The purpose of this study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the private sector. It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good.

There will be two meetings in connection with this study:

  • An informational meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:00 P. M., at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
  • The membership consensus will take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

The LWVUS website contains materials for the study, including

This is turning out to be a very important study in terms of its potential effects on all of us. We'll have people directly involved in various privatization processes discuss their pros and cons. We'll hand out copies of the questions to be voted on at the consensus meeting, a glossary of terms relating to privatization, and other materials. (These questions are considerably clearer and more direct than those of our recent consensus about education.)

We will be looking into the comparisons of selling public assets vs. contracting out management and/or other services with continuing government supervision, the differences between for profit and non-profit arrangements, and other considerations. We'll explore the ramifications of the influence, efforts, and finances put toward privatization by the American Legislative Exchange Council. We'll survey the 30-year effort to privatize the "entitlement" Social Security and the recent attempts to eliminate Medicare, putting personal medical safety back in private hands.

How do you feel about for-profit companies handling state top secrets, prisons, hospitals, or state parks?

Members of the committee include Cliff Ammon, Donna Dadaris, Mary Marsicano, Lee Nelson, and new member, Anne Sheppard. Anne is an expert on nursing homes. She is zeroing in on Saratoga County's consideration of shedding its Maplewood Nursing Home, an issue close to home and a good place for our members to start. Want to become involved? Contact Cliff Ammon at cammon2@nycap.rr.com, or 587-4204.

We are the only League in the Capital District undertaking this expansive study, which can be most intriguing. Some subjects possibly worthy of discussion: Is there a case for or against privatizing water systems, prisons, covert operations and intelligence gathering, support for our troops, contract negotiations and oversight, or public schools (charters, vouchers, and school services, such as lunch programs), jobs programs, road and bridge construction and repair, public assistance for the needy? These are just some of the things folks have suggested privatizing. What criteria should we use to decide? Should we in Saratoga County consider privatizing Maplewood Manor Nursing Home or the Saratoga County Landfill? Other Considerations: Temporary vs. Long-Term Contracts vs. Full Ownership; Non-Profit Privatization vs. For-Profit Privatization; Laws and Contracts; Quasi -Governmental units like Authorities, Fannie Mae.

Education Study

Back in the Fall, our league participated in a LWVUS study and consensus regarding the proper role of the Federal Government in Education. The Education Study scope is broad and includes the following areas under the role of the federal government in public education (pre-k through grade 12): the history, funding and equity issues which are addressed under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the common core standards/assessments which are required for many federal grant programs but are national, nod federal. The culminating position will address only those issues delineated in the scope.

Leagues across the country have submitted their consensus positions in November. Reaching consensus on a national study is a time consuming, rather complex, experience; we are right in the middle of the procedure. Our local consensus first had to go to our board for approval, then we (the chairs of the study) had to write it up and submit it along with the results from hundreds of other local Leagues. The national committee then reads and analyzes all the reports, writes up a proposed position and submits it with a recommendation to the National Board. When that board has decided, we will find out whether we reached a national consensus on which we can act. As soon as we hear the results, we will post them here in the Bulletin and on our website.

Thank you to all who worked on the study and attended the meetings.  Your input will help to formulate our national position.

Francine Rodger and Terry Lowenthal