Out of Control: The Coast-to-Coast Failures of Outsourcing Public Services to For-Profit Corporations | In the Public Interest

Out of Control: The Coast-to-Coast Failures of Outsourcing Public Services to For-Profit Corporations | In the Public Interest

"Eager for quick cash, state and local governments across America have for decades handed over control of critical public services and assets to corporations that promise to handle them better, faster and cheaper.  Unfortunately for taxpayers, not only has outsourcing these services failed to keep this promise, but too often it undermines transparency, accountability, shared prosperity and competition – the underpinnings of democracy itself.  As state legislatures soon reconvene, policy makers likely will consider more outsourcing proposals.  Out of Control: The Coast-to-Coast Failures of Outsourcing Public Services to For-Profit Corporations serves as a cautionary tale for lawmakers and taxpayers alike."

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Out of Control: The Coast-to-Coast Failures of Outsourcing Public Services to For-Profit Corporations

O.C. neighborhood ordered to take down Christmas lights - latimes.com

O.C. neighborhood ordered to take down Christmas lights - latimes.com: The strands of Christmas lights strung across a suburban Orange County street were meant to unite neighbors during the holidays. Instead, the brightly colored decorations have left them entangled in red tape.

The canopy of lights that bring a festive glow to a Wagon Wheel neighborhood when the sun goes down are an “unpermitted encroachment” in the eyes on county officials, who’ve ordered them removed.

But residents in the subdivision tucked in the foothills of Trabuco Canyon said they have no plans to take down the lights that zigzag above the street -- despite warnings that they could be fined or even prosecuted if they fail to remove the display by nightfall Wednesday.
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It's that time of year again, boys and girls, when the HOA grinch steals Christmas and orders holiday lights and displays taken down. However in this instance, the HOA is taking a hands off stance and county code enforcers are playing Scrooge and crying "bah humbug!"

Community Suggests Gun Possession Is Illegal For Residents - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Community Suggests Gun Possession Is Illegal For Residents - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports


Two weeks ago, residents received a letter from their homeowners' association indicating that guns are not allowed on the property. "I thought it was ironic that they say you can't have something when the United States government says you can," said resident Cristina Salajanu. Salajanu would like to give her neighborhood management company a history lesson."I think it's unconstitutional," Salajanu said. "They can't tell you what to own or not to own in your own house."