Shadow Government: The Hidden World of Public Authorities

"In power, affluence, and assets, public authorities rival the largest state and local governments and commercial banks in the United States. They borrow more billions of dollars than state and local governments combined. They have run up a debt that is second only to that of the United States government itself. In what amounts to a quiet revolution we now have two governments side by side: the visible general government and the shadow government of public authorities." from Shadow Government Advance praise for Shadow Government "Most Americans have had direct experience with public authorities through paying tolls on turnpikes, paying water and sewer charges, and the like. But few are even dimly aware of the pervasiveness of public authorities. Now Donald Axelrod has produced a wide-ranging examination of the history, evolution, and status of public authorities; his book is a searching description of their penetration into our lives. Passionately written, it is essential reading." Herman B. Leonard Baker Professor of Public Management Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University "[Shadow Government] sheds light on government-sponsored authorities which flout constitutional, budget, and sound financial restraints. It provides a thorough examination of the rise and virtually uncontrolled proliferation of all kinds of enterprises that use government powers, without voter control." Ben Weberman Columnist, Forbes "Donald Axelrodsfindings make fascinating and disturbing reading. This book should be read by every citizen who is concerned with fiscally sound and accountable public institutions." Harold Seidman Senior Fellow; National Academy of Public AdministrationAxelrod, Donald is the author of 'Shadow Government: The Hidden World of Public Authorities' with ISBN 9780471527671 and ISBN 047152767X.