Re-evaluating local government amalgamations: utility maximisation meets the principle of double effect (PDE)
本文提出一个强调意图、过程和不确定性的公共政策分析框架，以地方政府合并为例，说明该框架能更好地容纳公众对争议性政策改革的意见，并提醒政策制定者经济成果需通过道德合法过程实现。
Public policy debates are often dominated by economic analysis of aggregate financial benefit. However, public policy formulated on this basis is frequently regarded as profoundly unsatisfactory by stakeholders. Focusing upon municipal amalgamation, this paper provides an alternative framework for public policy analysis which emphasises the importance of intent, process and uncertainty in decision making. We contend that an approach of this type better accommodates public opinion on contentious policy reform. Moreover, it reminds policy makers that even the most admirable economic outcome must still be achieved through a morally licit process.