Rep. Johnny Olszewski: Redefining Government Efficiency Without Chaos

Rep. Johnny Olszewski Redefines Government Efficiency Without Chaos

The Trump administration has a fundamental responsibility to ensure the government operates at maximum efficiency, a principle that resonates deeply with American citizens. Citizens rightfully expect a government that is both effective and transparent in its operations.

While I stand behind the president’s objectives to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, the recent appointment of Elon Musk and his DOGE initiative has disrupted critical civil services. This disruption bears the hallmarks of a bull rampaging through a china shop, causing unforeseen chaos in a system that has effectively served the American populace since 1883. Sadly, the approach adopted by Musk has lacked a coherent strategy, yielding minimal results.

In fact, Musk recently disclosed that his team had uncovered only $160 billion in potential savings, a figure significantly lower than his initial ambitious target of $1 trillion. Moreover, this figure represents just a fraction of the original DOGE goal of $2 trillion, highlighting the shortcomings of their plan.

Public Sentiment on Musk’s Leadership

A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll illustrates that a significant majority of Americans disapprove of Musk’s management of his responsibilities. Furthermore, many citizens express apprehension regarding President Trump’s proposed reductions in governmental size and function.

The fallout from the DOGE initiative has affected thousands of federal employees, leaving many in dire circumstances. As Musk announces his intention to reduce his role in government amidst declining profits at Tesla, he appears to be distancing himself from the chaos created under his leadership.

Threats to Vital Government Programs

The current administration faces dangerous cuts that threaten crucial jobs and programs. Federal initiatives vital to medical research, veterans’ services, and the Federal Aviation Administration are at risk. Such cuts not only undermine public trust but may also jeopardize lives that depend on these essential services.

It is crucial to realize that government efficiency can be achieved without the turmoil witnessed under DOGE. I have demonstrated this through my own experience.

Proven Approaches to Government Efficiency

Before entering the House of Representatives, I served as the chief executive of Baltimore County, overseeing a $5 billion government operation that serves over 850,000 residents in Maryland. Upon assuming my role, I encountered an outdated bureaucratic system that was ill-suited for contemporary needs.

To address this, we undertook an extensive efficiency review of both county government and our local school system, which ranks as the 25th largest in the nation. We engaged trained experts to conduct meticulous audits of each county agency. Through benchmarking against similarly sized communities and gathering input from the public, we aimed to identify areas for improvement.

A Systematic Approach to Efficiency

The results of our review yielded two comprehensive reports: one focused on the Baltimore County government and the other on the Baltimore County Public School System, totaling over 1,000 pages of recommendations. We identified up to $771 million in potential savings over a five-year period.

Implementing straightforward solutions created tangible benefits; for example, defaulting to double-sided printing minimized paper use. We also employed smart salt spreaders to pre-treat roads before winter storms, generating significant savings while being environmentally responsible.

Efficiency Doesn’t Require Drastic Measures

Musk, alongside President Trump and the DOGE team, appears to believe that achieving savings requires drastic cuts to the federal government. In contrast, our experience shows that a systematic and thoughtful approach contributes to lasting efficiency without compromising service quality.

Our success in Baltimore was founded upon valuing our most precious resource: our employees. Over 300 interviews with both leadership and frontline staff ensured we took into account the insights of those performing the work daily. Meaningful efficiencies can only arise from a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by employees.

Reimagining Efficiency in Government

Regrettably, initiatives led by DOGE have tainted the concept of efficiency, rendering it a negative term for many. Nonetheless, true government efficiency at every level is not only crucial but also achievable.

With Musk returning to Tesla, there remains an opportunity for President Trump to adopt more effective strategies aimed at genuine government improvement. My experience and insights are readily available for those looking to foster a more effective governmental approach.