Good Government

We need to reduce the size of government so we can spend tax dollars more efficiently and effectively, while at the same time enhancing the public's access to and understanding of government services. Creating more accountable and accessible government will be a priority.

The Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform presents a number of guiding principles for reform, which serve as the basis for recommendations in its report "Streamlining Local Government." Five of those principles recur throughout the report:

• Reduce the number of local officials and local units of government
• Allow only elected officials to approve taxes and debt
• Limit appointed officials to administrative responsibilities, and ensure professional qualifications and performance standards where appropriate
• Match the administration of state services with state funding whenever possible
• Support and encourage local governments in their reform and efficiency efforts

These are strong guidelines, and I will use them when evaluating proposed legislation for government reform.

Good government also means more than just frugal government--it means demonstrating the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and respect for the public interest. I am dedicated to modeling those qualities personally in my service to my district, and I will strive to promote those values throughout our state legislature.