Cheers: To anecdotal evidence that local governments are finally getting it. First, Clark County, which pared $62 million from its general fund since 2007-08, announced its financial position has improved. Between January 2009 and February 2010, total revenue was $1 million greater than forecast. That’s good news. County officials will spend $506,000 on legally required indigent-defense costs, paying for a required state audit and postage. They won’t spend the rest.

The county is also looking to reform fire inspection fees it charges to businesses and institutions. Many people assume their fire district does this, but it’s actually the county fire marshal’s job. Rather than charging a flat fee that many complained was too high, the county’s new proposal calls for basing the fee on the actual cost of delivering the inspection. What a great idea.

The county isn’t the only government institution that’s working smarter. Vancouver City Manager Pat McDonnell plans to take advantage of a recent senior staff member’s resignation and the upcoming retirement of the deputy city manager to reorganize his leadership team with fewer people. “It is my goal to realize at least $500,000 in ongoing annual savings,” said McDonnell, who gets it.

Jeers: To the petty politics that kept the Washington Legislature in session for an extra month, apparently producing nothing that could not have been accomplished in the regular 60-day session. It’s not surprising for Republicans and Democrats to disagree on what’s best for Washington, but this year the Republicans were closed out of the debate — along with the general public — while the don’t-get-it Democrats fought among themselves for more than a month. We wouldn’t be surprised if the voters impose some family counseling in November.

Cheers: To state Rep. Tim Probst’s “Opportunity Express” bill that will provide more money for training workers for key occupations such as high-tech manufacturing, health care, aerospace and renewable energy. Rather than create a new bureaucracy, it aligns several existing training programs and focuses efforts on where the jobs will be as the recovery takes better hold. Local community colleges and economic development agencies can tailor the training to fit their local needs.

The bill received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, and legislators managed to find $18.6 million from the capital budget to fund it. “I just kept making the point that our No. 1 economic priority this year has to be jobs,” said the Vancouver Democrat, who — unlike too many of his colleagues — gets it.

Jeers: To the very small handful of people who habitually attend public meetings for the sole purpose of making the same points to public officials over and over, again and again. A citizen’s right to address public officials is a cornerstone of democracy. So is freedom of speech. But those who would abuse those rights limit others. Former Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard used an egg timer to cut off all speakers after three minutes, whether they had a pertinent new issue or were rehashing old gripes. New Mayor Tim Leavitt has been more patient, but abuse has prompted discussion of reimposing some limits.

Cheers: To Clark County’s Mental Health Court, which this month celebrates its 10th anniversary. Rather than punishing offenders, the court focuses on treating their problems. It’s an option for minor offenders who want to break the cycle of crime and punishment. They pleaded guilty and then must comply with stringent rules, including months of regular reporting to a case manager and to the judge. Washouts go to jail. The court boasts nearly 400 graduates, including eight just this month.

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