As we enter 2008, I want to put forward a different analysis of the choice ahead of us in public services. In simple terms, it boils down to this- are we opti- mists or pessimists? I believe we have encouraged the pes-simistic tendencies within local government. Take the recent finance settlement. I was very disappointed with the resources we have been given to deliver quality services to an ever-more demanding public. We know the settlement isn't enough, and we know it is unfair. But the real issue is how we respond. Too often, when faced with this situation, local govern-ment has assumed the stance of the victim, not prepared to take an optimistic view of the future.
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