Student Solution

-->

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela

1 University

1 Course

1 Subject

Team Decision Rationale paper

Team Decision Rationale paper

Q Your team represents local government and as such, you promote multiple interests that serve the greater public good: law, order and public safety; a transportation infrastructure; public utilities; disaster preparedness; public education; a “safety net” of social services; conditions that promote economic development and vitality; and effective citizenship that upholds democratic ideals. As a local government entity, you have the ability to raise revenues through taxes. You also can deficit spend. Because you are accountable to the citizenry for the way you govern, the decisions you make in Round 1 will be made visible to the business and community teams at the beginning of Round 2; their Round 1 decisions will not be revealed to you, however. You also serve as a liaison with state and federal agencies and in some cases coordinate the appropriation of resources from multiple sources to address local needs. The decisions you make will impact – either directly or indirectly – every individual and organization in the region, not to mention the physical environment and natural resources. Changes in your allocation of resources should carefully weigh short-term impacts and long-term consequences, the self-sufficiency of the town with its integration into a larger region and disparate impacts (positive and negative) on individuals and families, minorities and other vulnerable segments of the population, as well as businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Unlike the business and community groups, the government can borrow money to meet its spending priorities. Just be sure that these monies are earmarked mostly towards capital expenditures rather than just to meet general operating expenses.

View Related Questions

Solution Preview

Economic disparities can be found and easily recognized in every community, especially Morgantown, WV. Morgantown lies approximately 80 miles to the south of Pittsburgh, PA. These underlying problems give root to these overall issues facing similar towns and create a circle of misfortune and distrust amongst its population. Those underlying problems in Morgantown’s case are a high crime rate, high youth unemployment, a failing educational system, and poverty. To be effectively addressed, the development of a plan of action, or more easily stated priorities must be established. Only then can recommendations be thoughtfully crafted to maximize the effect on the desired areas and minimize any negative impact to the population.