Remember our parents’ warning about getting what we ask for coming back to bite us in our backsides? Even if we don’t, life has a way of making us realize what our parents warned about was an eternal truth. 

In my life, it’s more than just that single truth to be careful about as I’ve learned two caveats to the lesson our parents tried unsuccessfully to tell us: 1. No good deed goes unpunished. 2. Be careful who you ask in what you’re asking for.  

Which leads me to the latest “listening tour” promoted by Mesa County officials. They’re asking for public input on creating a vision of “Mesa Together” — for what’s most important to the future of our county in terms of government policy and actions to address the concerns of the citizens. 

At least that’s the idea. And at first glance it looks like a good one. Who can argue against government listening to constituents in making plans? If people feel they’re part of the process, the solutions must be for the common good and, even better, they’ll defend the results. 

But what I’ve discovered in my life is this: Most government solutions aren’t good for everyone despite the public relations campaigns about taking action on citizen suggestions. That’s because people never agree on their ideas.  

Here’s reason No. 1 under be more careful in who you’re asking what you’re asking for. Whenever one asks government to do something, two things always occur. First is the obvious. Someone is probably asking government to do something to benefit them personally, which in the yin and yang of real life won’t benefit someone else personally. Let’s be honest. EVERY government decision, law or regulation benefits one person over the other, one group over another or takes from some to give to others.  

Find me one government solution that’s benefitted all. I dare you. Even those who despise every keystroke I make — especially those invoking the perfection of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence — are quick to point out how those documents didn’t do much for slaves in our new country. What makes anyone think our current leadership at all levels of government (who aren’t qualified to tie the shoes of our founders) would come up with better solutions than the founders? I sure don’t. 

Second, when it comes to these public relations campaigns and the few who participate is the problem of asking for something one might want at the expense of others. Those are the folks who always participate in government programs and efforts. They love being part of the process. And they participate for one reason only:
It benefits them at the expense of others who might think differently. More important, it benefits them over competitors. After all, that was the “new” in the New Deal. Who do you think wrote the regulations for the government? You got it, the big boys. You think Roosevelt had time to listen to the little guy, if by some miracle their voice rose above the din? 

Does that remind you of anything recently? Perhaps the last couple of years when certain businesses were allowed to be open, but not others? Do you honestly think government was listening to you and me? Or was that about listening to the “experts,” as FDR did while destroying small business after small business? At its base level, it’s nothing more than government picking winners and losers. Sorry dear reader: Against someone who regularly takes part in a “listening tour” in getting access to a politician, you’re always the loser.  

That leads to another indisputable fact: Anything government addresses as a result of these surveys it takes over. And taking over things never works well for Joe Lunchbucket. Let’s say you’re a small developer and ask our county to be more involved in the fee and permit process in streamlining projects. And let’s be honest here, usually it’s in streamlining your project before your competitors. As any politician will do in doing good deeds, they’ll promise to get right on it. And maybe that works out for you — this time. 

It’s the next time where the problem lies. Because next time your competitor might answer the survey before you do. Or worse, all those streamlined deals will now be given to larger projects from out-of-town developers promising more jobs and a bigger tax base for the county. Honestly, who’s gonna get the better deal — your small company or a project worth millions more in tax revenues? 

Want to take this one step further? Just who did government decide was essential the last few years? Why did only certain businesses get to open after meeting “special” emergency requirements laid out by our county? These fell under the good deeds of emergency government powers. Who bore the negative brunt of these government “good deeds?” 

There are things the county should do and provide. Roads, infrastructure and keeping communities safe — equally and fairly, emergency or not. But it can’t do any of those effectively or equally if it’s trying to do everything for everyone. 

It’s why we shouldn’t ask it to.

Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.