EDITOR’S VIEWPOINT/America’s idled

Here’s an idea for a new television reality show: “America’s Idled.” Every week, the show’s host could visit cities and counties as they agonize over which of their employees and services to eliminate or cut back.

The show’s producers will have their pick of places to profile, according to a recent survey conducted for the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Counties (NACo). The survey results showed that more than seven out of 10 counties will be battling budget shortfalls this year because of less revenue from state and federal pass-through programs, as well as declines in sales taxes and county property taxes.

Using an idea from other reality-based shows, “America’s Idled” could allow the viewing audience to vote on which government services to curtail. The NACo survey respondents already have found areas they may cut, including health services, highway and street construction services, family and human services, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, arts and culture, and public safety.

Once “America’s Idled” viewers have decided which schools or libraries to shutter, they could vote on which taxes to increase to help reduce budget shortfalls. NACo again provides direction in its survey results. More than half of the counties responding reported they have increased taxes for residential, commercial and agricultural properties. Nearly three-quarters of counties also are considering increases in motor vehicle taxes and special purpose taxes.

In reaction to the grim circumstances portrayed by its survey, NACo called on Congress to fund homeland security, pass a federal economic growth package, and require sales tax collection on Internet and catalog sales. However, I don’t recommend asking the “America’s Idled” audience to judge NACo’s suggestions because it will require too much thinking.

The success of “America’s Idled” could spawn other reality-based programs inspired by local government budget problems. For example, a game show named “Duh,” would use contestants picked from school systems that have suffered layoffs, including New Haven, Conn., which recently eliminated 110 teachers and other workers.

Another spin-off, “America’s Wildest Winter Car Crashes,” could feature video clips taken in communities that can’t afford to frequently clear snow from their roads; and “Cops: Who Needs ‘Em?” could profile localities like Santa Clara County, Calif., which is considering layoffs for 81 of its 550 deputy sheriffs. Even if Santa Clara doesn’t approve cutting police jobs, others already have, according the Washington, D.C.-based National League of Cities. Its recent survey noted that 16 percent of cities had eliminated police positions within the past year and 8 percent expected more job cuts.

I am confident that “America’s Idled” would be entertaining and would add a new dimension to reality-based television: Americans facing problems that are actually real.