The Public Sector

Bill Schrier blogs about public service jobs, and the belief that they’re like diamonds (i.e., that they last forever):

For one thing, there’s an expectation that government is stable and long-term in its operations and its employment. It has to be. Despite the situation with the economy at large, water and electricity have to keep flowing, streets and parks need to be repaired and cleaned, 911 calls answered, cops and firefighters dispatched.

What’s missing from this analysis is the fact that technology changes. Yes, municipalities have to provide the same services year after year, but as time goes on they should become more efficient. That means employing fewer people to provide basic services.