I'm not sure why, but bad public policy - government policy - is something that gets my goat. Maybe because the taxpayer has to pay for the folly.
Many of the public policies implemented by the FNM between 2007 and 2012 raised my ire and provided topics for discussion. Or should I say venting?
But let's take a look at some of the policy considerations by the PLP government since regaining power just twelve months ago:
Straw Market
It was bad enough that the FNM government built it for millions of dollars, but they implemented a proper management system to ensure the tenants paid their rent, like in the real world. The PLP are elected and now remove the manager they appointed who was attempting to collect the rent or toss the tenants out.
NIB Audit
It appeared that the PLP when in Opposition did not like the idea of making sure people paid the requisite tax, nor the funds taken from employees. So they wanted the CEO out. Instead of buying his contract out, we were subjected to months of innuendo and rumour, and a Forensic Audit at the fabulous fee of about $800,000.
Gambling Referendum
Approximately $1,000,000,000 was spent on an opinion poll to legalise gambling houses that have business licenses and have been operating for decades.
Buying the old City Market Building with NIB funds
The PLP have considered buying this building that has been abandoned for some seven years now at a reportedly inflated price.
Paying the severance of former City Market Employees
The PLP were giving positive signs to the former City Market employees that they might pay them the severance due by the private company. A dangerous precendent indeed.
I'm sure there will be more if we dig a little deeper, but for these few things alone they seem desperate to prove that we can beleive they are Even Dumber At Public Policy than the FNM.
Go figure.
