GOVERNOR CRIST AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SINK SEEK BEST PRACTICES FOR EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT
Governor Crist appoints Council on Efficient Government

Governor Charlie Crist was joined by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to launch Florida’s search for best practices to increase efficiency in state government. The search will be led by the Council on Efficient Government, created by the Florida Legislature in 2006. The Council will first review three projects already underway: People First, MyFloridaMarketPlace and Project Aspire.

“Government must be both efficient and effective, and the Council will lay a framework to help us achieve the best value for our tax dollars,” said Governor Crist.

The review of current projects will serve as a starting point for evaluating how to reap the most benefit from the systems. Moving forward, the Council will work with state agencies to identify other opportunities to develop best practices for evaluating future governmental contracts. The Council will then develop best practices for the implementation of innovative ideas for improving efficiency.

“Today we are taking the first step toward increased fiscal accountability in state contracting,” said CFO Sink. “It is our highest duty as elected officials to be frugal and efficient with the people’s tax dollars.”

“Government should not let large, complex ideas stand in the way of providing quality customer service,” said Secretary South. “As we explore the successes of large corporations and other government organizations, we should learn how we can provide high quality services more quickly.”

In addition, Governor Crist appointed four of the seven members of the Council on Efficient Government:

• Secretary Linda H. South of the Florida Department of Management Services, who by statute serves as chair the Council;

• Chief Financial Officer Sink, who will serve as the Cabinet member other than the Governor;

• Secretary Holly Benson of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation;

• James Zingale, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue;