Net present value vs. future value

Some of the contradictions in thinking about government and its ability to accomplish tasks are interesting.

1. Complaints about the DC Public School system and their ability to renovate buildings. Well, the average DC Government agency doesn't do such a great job either. For any elected official to think that because the Wilson Building is kept clean that the DC Government does a good job forgets that keeping that building in tip-top shape is probably the number one priority of the Office of Property Management, to the exclusion of other priorities. Giving more authority to extant agencies isn't necessary a or the solution.

2. Discussions about dissolving the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation and the National Capital Revitalization Corporation, and bringing those functions back to the Executive Branch. While I agree that there are problems with these organizations, I think the alternative (more City Council involvement, more direct involvement by the Executive Branch) is scary.

On the Concerned4dcps yahoo list, someone pointed out that in last Friday's Kojo Nnamdi Radio Show/WAMU, click here for the show, that Mayor Fenty said:

"We don't think that the government should be owning anything. We don't think that the government should be leasing stuff and developing stuff. Government should facilitate development." (This is between minute 45:00 and minute 46:00)

On the other hand, over time, property in DC doesn't go down in value. Shouldn't the public assets of the District of Columbia be managed to return the greatest amount of value (in all respects, financial return included) to citizens?

Sale for the quick buck, and in a fashion that is subject to extra-normal suasion, likely inadequately serves the electorate, residents, and citizens.