Wayne C. Parker

Thomas Jefferson wisely reminded us that the best government is the government closest to the people. It is in local government where elected officials are arguably the most accountable and where government has every incentive to be as efficient as possible. In your recent [June 17] editorial, "Efficiency in local government," you suggested that Provo City "has a good opportunity that could set a precedent of all government" in eliminating the position of economic development director.

I would like to offer some insight which might explain why the city administration took a different approach to this specific issue than the one you espoused.

First, the facts suggest that the city has responded to the recent economic recession by becoming more efficient. Since July of 2007, Provo City has reduced full-time equivalent employees from 828 to 777, a total of 51 positions in the workforce. This has been done without layoffs or furloughs, but simply through a consistent focus on efficiency and prudent management.

Every position that becomes vacant in the city is carefully scrutinized to determine if the position is really needed to provide quality service to our residents. If not, the position is eliminated or is consolidated with another position. Provo City has been motivated to find, and successful at finding, efficiencies.

Second, it is important to note that the city's economic development department is composed of two divisions. The Redevelopment Agency has eight full-time-equivalent positions, primarily funded with federal and tax increment fund dollars. The economic development division, funded by local tax dollars, has five full-time-equivalent positions. The action to eliminate the director's position reduces their staff by 20 percent and removes a key economic development professional from our resource.

Economic development is an important part of any city's future. In recent years, the economic development staff has worked on projects that have added jobs and tax base to the city. Current developments like the Mountain Vista Business Center and the Zions Bank Tower were largely the result of these efforts.

Projects currently planned including Duncan Aviation, the Southgate Retail Center, University Tower, various downtown projects and the Utah County Convention Center are a direct result of our economic development staff. And there are other projects for which Provo is competing at the state and national level which may bear fruit in the near future.

Efficiencies in government are important, but at least equally important is the effectiveness of government. A focus on economic development during tough economic times is an imperative. It is an investment which, if not made, will eliminate opportunities in the future. A recession can be a time for government just to survive, or it can also be a time to prepare to thrive when the economy inevitably rebounds.

The results are clear that Provo has been working hard to make government more efficient -- a staffing reduction of 51 positions in two years is nothing to take lightly. But to remain effective as well as efficient, government must make smart investments. Keeping our staffing whole in the department that builds our economy and keeps us competitive is critical in responding to challenging economic times.

• Wayne C. Parker is Provo City's chief administrative officer.