Driver’s license center a difficult cut to accept
It’s one thing to talk about making the wheels of government cruise down the road more smoothly and efficiently. It’s another thing when that efficiency quickly translates to a reduction of state services in which we’ve grown to depend.
The perfect example is our driver’s license center in McMinnville. It’s a center which could soon disappear if Gov. Phil Bredesen’s proposed budget is approved by legislators without any major changes.
Such a move would provide a sudden inconvenience local residents aren’t used to handling. No longer would we have the luxury of a driver’s license center right here in town. All those quick, after-school trips to pick up a learner’s permit, for example, would be a thing of the past. If the local driver’s license center is shut down, that convenient trip suddenly becomes a substantial time commitment traveling to Manchester, Murfreesboro or Cookeville.
Unfortunately, these cutbacks are exactly what we asked for. On the heels of a 1 cent sales tax increase last year, coupled with murky economic waters this year, Tennesseans were in no mood for a tax increase.
This sentiment wasn’t lost on lawmakers who quickly dismissed ideas of raising taxes. Instead, Gov. Bredesen, along with other state leaders, determined cutting services was the lesser of two evils.
This move was greeted with great applause, including cheers from the Standard. However, the news that McMinnville may lose its driver’s license center has dampened the celebration.
It’s a center which handled roughly 100 customers a day. And it’s a center which was already getting patrons from surrounding counties without a driver’s license center of their own such as Van Buren, Cannon and DeKalb.
One thing that’s important to remember is Gov. Bredesen’s budget is only a proposal. There will likely be some significant changes and some minor alterations before the final budget is ultimately approved by state legislators.
That means Warren countians must let their voices be heard. This is our driver’s license center and it appears we’re going to have to put up a fight to have any hopes of keeping it. We can’t forget there might be something which can be done before our center drives out of town.
State Sen. Jerry Cooper and state Rep. Charles Curtiss have done a fine job representing this district for years. The two have always welcomed feedback from their constituents and can be reached at 615-741-6694 (Cooper) or 615-741-1963 (Curtiss).
First-term state Rep. Judd Matheny also serves a portion of Warren County. Matheny may be young on experience, but he’s shown early enthusiasm and would also be a good person to call at 615-741-7448.
Another aspect to consider is whether the county could contribute funding to keep the center open here if state funds can’t be found. Since the state is committed to keeping all its driver’s license examiners, maintaining there will be no layoffs, the only other major operating expenses would surround rent and utilities.
Perhaps the county could find a way to subsidize state dollars and keep the center open here as a public service. It’s doubtful such a move would create much opposition.
The Standard believes it is worthwhile to examine every available option because the driver’s license center is a valuable community asset. It is time to cut corners but losing our driver’s license center shouldn’t be considered dispensable.