How do the state and county gov'ts REALLY work? (live, rating)

[Lisa From Maui]

In another post, jkwinterbottom wrote about … how screwed [up] the Hawaii government is (I work hand in hand with the State, so I know what they are REALLY like).

Care to explain? JK or anyone else? I've lived here a year. Would love to understand how things REALLY work. I'm also interested in hearing, how do non-profits work? Someone told me the way the state and county gov't runs non-profit organizations is extremely ineffective. Not sure what she meant. Anyone have any behind the scenes info?

[hothulamaui]

lisa maybe this will helpf from wikipedia a definition

A nonprofit organization (abbreviated NPO, also not-for-profit[1]) is an organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals [2]. Examples of NPOs include charities (i.e. charitable organizations) , trade unions, and public arts organizations. Most governments and government agencies meet this definition, but in most countries they are considered a separate type of organization and not counted as NPOs.

most people that work for the state (any state) thinks for the most part it is screwed up. they see the waste and the inefficiencies. think they were more than likely just fed up with what they see in their job.

[mdand3boys]

The Hawaii State and County governments are probably among the worst in the country for organization, fiscal responsibility and efficiency.

[KonaKat]

While the Hawaii government is frustrating, keep in mind that they've only been at it for about 50 years. Not 100 or 200 years like some states and counties!

[dreamisland]

it's all nepotism-cousins,sister-in-laws,etc.
a white friend who is a journeyman electrician in the union gets subtle discrimination like job placements,etc.
he says he wishes his name was onizuka or he looked polynesian.
but places like ny, nj, il,etc., have more direct criminal corruption than hawaii's all in the ohana style.