Sandy Springs’ notoriety continues its upward trajectory after a Sunday New York Times article put the city’s unique form of government back in the spotlight.
This week, City Manager John McDonough sat down with the panelists of Glenn Beck’s GBTV and the hosts heaped praise on the city’s decision to outsource nearly everything to private contractors. The panel, admittedly not fans of the New York Times, complained the article in question gave too much weight to the economic and racial concerns raised by the city’s critics. McDonough said most of the tax money collected in Sandy Springs goes to Fulton County and said the city efficiently spends the rest of the money to provide a high level of service to taxpayers.
The panelists wondered if this could work for cities beholden to public sector unions, particularly cities that are facing bankruptcy. McDonough said he believes the principles behind the city’s government can apply to other cities.
Here’s the full interview.