Consistent Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I pledge allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the Constitution. I’ve now been asked to sign a “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” I received that states, “I, _________, PLEDGE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE STATE OF _________, THAT, AS TREASURER (note: I'm running for Governor), I WILL OPPOSE AND FIGHT ANY AND ALL EFFORTS TO INCREASE TAXES.” Although I support the concept of such a pledge, not knowing what circumstances lay ahead -- including ever-increasing unfunded state and federal mandates -- I find signing it to be troublesome. Here’s why:

First, integrity SHOULD mean something in the political arena. All too often it does not. Who knows what lies ahead? By signing such a pledge, for a person with integrity, the maker’s hands are tied when trying to find solutions to our public policy problems. Remember George H.W. Bush saying, “Read my lips: no new taxes”? Surely the former President meant it when he said it, but circumstances changed. Isn’t it better for a public servant to avoid such a conundrum in the first place?

Rather than signing this pledge, what I WILL do is hold up my record of nearly two decades. I have consistently stood for open government, accessible by and accountable to the people. I have consistently pushed to stop wasteful spending of public funds by the government at every level. I have consistently been extremely reluctant to support tax or fee increases.

My message and actions are consistent and I don’t change my goals, story or actions from one year to the next on the basis of whether there is an upcoming election.

When I took the oath of office for the second time on January 12th, 2009, Ada County’s budget was $193 million. Without appreciably cutting services, within less than a year, my colleagues and I had cut that budget down to $171 million. I continue to look for ways for government to operate more effectively and efficiently, in order to keep more of your money in your pockets.

Here is what I will pledge to you: I will do everything in my power to continue to ensure that government – whether county or state – is open, accessible by and accountable to the public. I will work to limit government and reduce taxes and fees whenever and wherever possible, as I have been doing consistently for nearly twenty years, whether as a citizen volunteer or as an elected official.

Good public policy is created not by signing pledges, but by people sitting down together, working out their differences, and striving to find solutions to the problems plaguing our communities today. Remember… I call it, “Solution-based government.”