Year after year, month after month, people spout about the need for consolidation of services. It would be nice to see consolidated governments on the barrier islands, but that is not likely. Governor (later President) Woodrow Wilson unsuccessfully recommended that sometime around 1916. However, essential services, such as police, fire and ems could be consolidated and greatly improve efficiency, save tax dollars and offer better protection for the citizens of the Five and Seven Mile Islands. The people see the benefit, but the politicians refuse to yield even one ounce of control.