Easier to Seek Forgiveness

We have all heard the time honored axiom of “It is easier to seek forgiveness than gain permission”, but it was a State of Georgia bureaucrat that first showed me its practical application.

Periodically, the State of Georgia produces an administrator who operates in a remarkable fashion, with unusual and exceptional power. These administrators take tax dollars and put them to interesting use. Nothing illegal here, mind you, but just interesting applications of the public’s money.

One example comes to mind of a state building administrator that masterfully saved an historic building in downtown Atlanta. This structure, one of the oldest in Atlanta, was once the freight depot for a local railroad. Built in 1869, the building is situated in the center of town very near the State capitol building. Of course, Atlanta is older than that, but after the departure of Union troops, there really wasn’t much of the old Atlanta left. By the 1960’s, the railroad had shifted its base of operations to the east of downtown, and the LCL (less than carload) freight business had dwindled to nothing, so the building was essentially abandoned. The derelicts moved in, speeding up the process of decay. Somewhere along the way, the State of Georgia gained title to this structure, but nothing was done to preserve the building.

Our administrator looked and saw what a jewel this structure is, even in its state of decay. The typical course of action would be to go to the state’s General Assembly and get funding for the building’s renovation. Of course, attendant to this process would be the usual political back and forth. There would be all sorts of meddling by the legislators, right down to the choices of colors for the ladies restrooms. Eventually, some legislator’s brother-in-law would be awarded the project. The political process would be a long and harrowing one, and would not necessarily result in the proper restoration of this important structure. So, our administrator chose another path, based on the premise of seeking forgiveness instead of permission.

In the allocation of funds for State projects, the monies awarded are usually done in even, easily readable numbers. Instead of awarding $48,362.87, the General Assembly usually awards $50,000.00 for a project. If the job is actually done for $48,362.87, then what happens to the excess? One approach is to dutifully return the excess to the State’s coffers. Or not. Our administrator quietly squirreled away leftover funds from various projects, all done outside of the purview of the Georgia General Assembly.

When one project was completed, say a roofing project, the excess materials were sent over to the freight depot. Likewise, when a roofing crew had completed one project, it was a very easy process to stop by and do a little extra work at another location. Once the roof had been repaired, the building had effectively been saved.

Now it was time for a slow restoration process. Next on the list was construction of a plumbing tower in the middle of the building. This was a concrete block structure for the plumbing necessary for a public building. Once completed, it was fitted with hardened doors to keep the vandals out. Lighting was added next, making it harder for the vandals to hide. A few dollars for doors here; some new windows there, a little paint, some new carpet (from just up the road in Dalton) and suddenly there is a great party place for the State legislature every time they meet to discuss the public’s laws.

The Georgia Road Freight Depot is a jewel in downtown Atlanta, all done through the quiet resolve of one smart administrator. When it was finally revealed that this significant structure was now available for State use, it was very hard for anybody to be mad, but you can just hear the conversations amongst the Legislators.

“Where’d this building come from?” “I dunno, hasn’t it always been here?”

Which, in the strictest sense, is true.

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