Guinn disputes audit on planning

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000 | 10:30 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is a firm advocate of long-range plans, but he opposes the idea of a law requiring every agency to have one.

Guinn disputed a legislative audit released Wednesday that suggested a law be enacted for state agencies to prepare comprehensive strategic plans.

Legislative Auditor Gary Crews said agencies may have a mission statement but the word doesn't get to all of the employees.

"We're spending $4 billion a year, and there is no road map where we are going," Crews said. "The people are operating blindly."

In his written response to the audit, Guinn said every new governor wants to leave his own imprint on state government with his visions and philosophies. But that is impossible because every election provides the voters a chance to change leaders.

"Thus, one of the strengths of formal strategic planning -- providing continuity -- does not actually apply to government," Guinn said.

If a law is enacted, it should be as broad as possible to give agencies flexibility, Guinn said.

Guinn also opposed the idea because he said it would mean having to hire 22 new state employees.

The committee, despite Guinn's objections, agreed to sponsor a bill to require strategic planning for all agencies.

Deputy Legislative Auditor Mike Spell said recent audit reports have shown inadequate strategic planning as a contributing cause of significant problems in government. Poor planning in the group health insurance program led to a breakdown in claims processing and the system falling in debt.

Inadequate planning in the state Department of Information Technology resulted in costly overruns on computer projects. And poor planning has resulted in a system of medical services for prison inmates that costs more than twice the national average.

"In recent years, an understanding has emerged that government needs to be run in a more businesslike manner," Spell said. "As companies are accountable to shareholders, government is accountable to taxpayers."