In a recent editorial, the Watertown Daily Times said the failure of the New York State Legislature to confront the state's fiscal crisis was "Albany at its worst." I disagree. It was Albany at its do-nothing best. Our elected representatives are intellectually incapable of recognizing failure on their part. Arriving in Albany for the day without the help of GPS is considered a success by most of them. They are an embarrassment.

We are in a dire fiscal crisis. This crisis will not last six months or even a year. This crisis will endure longer than anyone wants or anticipates.

It is time for government to reinvent itself. We should ask the question: What services should government provide and what services should be left to the private sector?

One way to reinvent government is through the consolidation of taxing jurisdictions. Why should I pay more tax dollars to the town of Watson than to Lewis County when the county provides more services. Lewis County has 16 towns that should be consolidated into five. The village of Lowville should be incorporated into the town of Lowville. The tax dollars saved would be tremendous.

Consolidation of school districts should be on the table. Maybe a countywide superintendent with one business manager, one transportation manager and a countywide teachers' contract. School districts should get out of the transportation business and contract with private companies like the districts of Watertown, Indian River and Gouverneur.

The Lewis County Legislature is taking the lead in making tough budget cuts. Their leadership should be commended. They already know that this year's budget process will be a cakewalk compared to next year.

Changes are coming whether we like them or not. The easy, no-brain decision-making of tax and spend are over. The reinvention of government at all levels will provide fewer services, demand fewer tax dollars and prove a better life for all New Yorkers. That should be our goal. Think about it.

Wayne D. Mihalyi

Lowville