Governments are inherently inefficient and incompetent.
But some of them are worse than others.
Looking at states, places such as Illinois, California, and New Jersey seem to be the worst of the worst.
But New York also belongs on that list. Some of the Empire State's problems are summarized in my five-part Florida-vs-New York series (available here, here, here, here, and here).
Today, let's look at some additional evidence. Jay Root of the New York Times has a sobering story that illustrates the blundering nature of the state's government. Here are some excerpts.
Ten years ago, the agency overseeing the upkeep of the majestic New York State Capitol reported that the granite staircase leading to the main entrance was warped and bulging so badly that part of it might collapse at any moment.
...A thorough repair, estimated at $17 million, was recommended. ...The entrance, known as the Eastern Approach, has been closed to this day... In a state capital known for its inefficiency and inability to meet deadlines, the staircase and the Capitol's exterior are visual reminders of Albany's tendency toward disrepair and dysfunction. ...Gov. Kathy Hochul...pushed through a $41 million appropriation to fix it, more than double the estimated cost in 2014. ...they're lining up contractors, with an eye toward starting work next spring and finishing it in 2028. It's possible...that the estimated cost could rise again.
Since ever-rising costs are ubiquitous with government projects, it's no surprise that the cost has jumped from $17 million to $41 million. Sort of a small-scale version of California's Train to Nowhere.
And (assuming the stairs ever get renovated) I'll make a very safe prediction that the final cost is over $50 million.
By the way, it's also not a surprise to learn that the entire building has a history of inefficiency and incompetence.
The Capitol was painstakingly built over 32 years beginning in 1867, a period marked by mishap, contracting abuses and cost overruns. It was the most expensive government building of its time.
Let's close by acknowledging that New York is consistent. It had the most expensive government building and now it has the most expensive mile of subway.
P.S. Maybe the problem isn't New York. Maybe the real issue is that governments, wherever they are, can't be trusted to deal with stairs?
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