Over the last decade, we've shared many examples of the need for local government reform. At the county level, the focus has been on a lack of accountability for numerous officials and a governance structure (three commissioners as the executive body) that simply doesn't make sense.

Why does it matter? Because counties do make a difference. Add up the numbers and they:

• Own and maintain 44 percent of the roadways
• Spend $68.3 billion on health care services
• Dish out a combined $472 billion on law enforcement, education, construction and human services
• Employ 3.3 million people Feature 19,300 elected officials

Just imagine if it was all done more efficiently.