For example, public archaeology ("Archeology" in official Texian) in this vast State is managed by only part of the efforts of the (lone) State Archeologist -- supervising three (3) professional archeologists.
Doing so is made possible by the volunteer (pro bono) work of a network of 117 dedicated para-professional avocational archeologists known as the Texas Archeological Stewards Network (of which I am one).
Those State positions are not "chair-warmer" jobs. To "put a face on" the organization:
The last time I saw each of those Regional Archeologists, they were out in the field -- helping us Stewards do reconnaissance on important Texas historical sites -- lugging and operating (State-owned) ground penetrating radars, proton magnetometers, and Total Data Stations (computerized surveying / datalogging gear).
Notice that each of those three young archeologists' areas of responsibility is larger than several other entire States -- combined!
The Stewards Network is a model for all other States of how private sector participation with government can and does result in efficient government functions. It took us over forty years to build (and several of us have forty years of archeological experience!). If it is shut down now, we may never be able to re-build what it took us forty years to build!
When I showed the "Save THC" presentation*** to Senator Eltife's regional staff, the response was
"That's not just efficient and an excellent return on investment, that's what I prefer to call a genuine "Force Multiplier"!
*** (viewable -- in part -- at http://www.istha.net/ [scroll down to Mar 10])
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Conservatism means being good, frugal stewsards of our tax dollars. It means cutting waste and "fat-cat bureaucracies" without mercy.
Good conservatism does not include "punishing" efficiency and penalizing good, frugal management.
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