Want to thank Gov. Bob McDonnell for reopening Virginia's rest areas? Disagree with privatization of state liquor stores? Have an idea to pass along that would save money for the Commonwealth?

Gov. Bob McDonnell's Government Reform and Restructuring Commission will make a stop this afternoon at the Augusta County Government Center to provide a town hall setting to receive feedback from residents about how the Commonwealth can be better run. This is part of an Executive Order made in January 2010 shortly after Gov. McDonnell's inauguration, a promise to the people to run a fiscally efficient state government.

A representative from the Commission will meet with the public from 5:30-7:00 pm to listen to ideas and suggestions to help ensure that duplicate, outdated, unnecessary, and ineffective services are eliminated as one way to save revenue.

The economy has presented budgetary challenges to the Commonwealth in the face of increasing public services. Just as families have had to tighten their belts in these financially tough times, Virginia's government is looking for ways to do the same with the help of the very citizens whose tax money will be spent.

The Government Reform and Restructuring Commission was charged by the Governor to "identify opportunities for creating efficiencies in state government, including streamlining, consolidating, or eliminating redundant and unnecessary agency services, governing bodies, regulations and programs; explore innovative ways to deliver state services at the lowest cost and best value to Virginia taxpayers; seek out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core state functions, including potential privatization of government operations where appropriate, and restore focus on core mission oriented service; and Examine ways for state government to be more transparent, user friendly and accountable to the citizens of the Commonwealth."

The Commission will report its recommendations to the Governor later this summer with a final report in December.

If you're going, it will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2010, from 5:30-7:00 pm, at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona, Va.