Question

According to Rubin, Public Finance and budgeting is a "mystery" to average  citizen. Do you or disagree? why

Answer 1

According to Rubin, Public Finance and budgeting is a "mystery" to average  citizen. Yes, I agree to it as they do not effectively participate in the budget formation. Usually, citizens involvement in budgeting is during the preparatory stage and do not influence the final outcome as final document is prepared by the planning committee and technical officers.

Arguments in favor to the statements are:

1. Proper participation mechanisms are not followed as it does not cater to the local environment.
2. Inappropriate funding to support the participation.
3. lack of transparency and accountability on part of participants.
4. Political leaders catering to their self interest.
5. Local government and citizens have limited knowledge of budgeting, so it will be ineffective in its formation.
6. Lack of technical knowledge to citizens of budgeting.

Thus, budgeting and public finance is a mystery to average citizens as they have less influence over the management control due to less technical knowledge. For effective participation on part of citizens a proper mechanism must be designed with proper funding. Also, they must be trained with technical knowledge and civic education to exercise their rights and responsibilities.