The Legislature is looking for some help from the public and from department heads in state government in identifying $10 million of savings to balance next year’s budget.

The Appropriations Committee is trying to find the savings to meet the budget for the second year of the $6.3 billion biennial budget, which included $10.1 million in savings through the elimination of duplication and inefficiencies. The Legislature is taking suggestions, online, in the mail and in person.

Soliciting input from the public or state employees is never a bad idea, and perhaps the committee, or the Legislature as a whole, should have a permanent suggestion box for ways to save money in the budget. Any member of the public who knows of government inefficiencies should certainly let the committee know.

However, members of the public and state employees have had plenty of opportunities to do this. Gov. John Baldacci has already used the suggestion box idea. For that matter, members of the public can always contact a local legislator or a member of the Appropriations Committee to share their thoughts about how the state could save money.

“It might prompt some thinking, but it’s incredibly rare that you get something that hasn’t been talked about,” said Rebecca Wyke, the head of the department of financial services.

At this point, most department heads are likely going to defend their budgets. They’ve already been asked to identify inefficiencies and savings. If any of them were holding out, they’re not likely to show their hands now.

Ultimately, the Appropriations Committee is going to have to work with the governor’s staff to make some hard decisions. While it’s never a bad idea to solicit ideas from the public, it’s unlikely a suggestion box is going to yield a magical fix for the state’s fiscal problems.

Unfortunately, there is probably no magic answer here, just a collection of ideas that have been kicking around the Statehouse that don’t happen to be terribly popular.

10 years for Cape’s 10K

This year will mark the 10th anniversary for Cape Elizabeth’s Beach to Beacon, a race started by one of the town’s most prominent natives, Joan Benoit Samuelson.

Starting at Crescent Beach and ending at Portland Headlight, the 10K race is a great annual celebration of what the town has to offer, traveling along some of the most scenic roads in southern Maine. It’s no wonder the race has become so popular. The 5,500 registrations now fill up by March, making it necessary for runners to commit to the race at least five months in advance.

The race has raised money over the years for a number of local charities. This year proceeds from the race will go to STRIVE, a nonprofit organization based in South Portland that assists teenagers and young adults with mental disabilities.

For many, the Beach to Beacon is the only race they will run all year. It’s their annual reason to dig their running shoes out of the closet and get in shape again.

That’s the great thing about races like the Beach to Beacon. It’s not just a showcase for some of the top athletes in the sport; it’s inspiration for people who continue to set goals throughout life and strive to achieve them year after year.

So, for those who didn’t dig out their running shoes this year, come out Saturday morning, cheer on the runners and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Beach to Beacon.

Brendan Moran, editor