public works employees maintain the roads you drive on and plow the snow in winter and collect trash.

jail/prison guards keep those deemed criminals off of the street when incarcerated.

inspectors check to make sure your food is safe to eat from the grower to the processor to the restaurant that prepares and serves it; that scales weigh accurately in grocery stores and doctor's offices and ups facilities, and airports; that a gallon of gas from the pump is a gallon.

investigators respond to complaints re consumer protection laws to make sure consumers receive the protections the law affords them; to complaints of abuses allegedly perpetuated by health care providers; to complaints made by seniors re abuses inflicted upon them.

credential reviewers insure that your doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, veterinarians, real estate agents, therapists, hair stylists, nail techs, barbers, plumbers, electricians, hearing aid providers, optometrists and opthalmic techs and morticians are properly licensed.

judges adjudicate allegations of criminal and felonius actions and prevent those convicted of same from doing it to you; and the judicial system has a staff of public defenders prepared to represent you should you need their service.

clerical support staff administer the recording of your birth and are awaiting the recording of your death; or the payment of your taxes; or the issuance of a motor vehicle license.

the municipal utilities authority insures that your home has potable water for your use and/or a sewer system that works [where appropriate].

teachers educate your children and the children of the future generation who will be entrusted to take care of you and serve your needs.

the transportation and bridge authorities and the faa ensure the safety of your travel.

a state banking/insurance dept will make sure that your money is in safe-keeping and that your investment advisor is legally credentialed.

an environmental agency will make sure that the air you breath is as safe as it can be.

a state board of public utilities will evaluate a provider's request for a fee increase and determine if it can be granted or modified or denied so that you should not be overcharged.

need i go on?

and as far as the private sector providing these services more efficiently - why have they NOT already done so? if ANYONE could come up with a way to do so AND be able to make a profit while doing so, i am sure they would have done so!