On November 6, 2007, the citizens of Marion County, in my opinion, sent their elected officials two very clear messages; quit raising taxes and cut spending. The Kernan-Shepard Report on reforming government, with its 27 recommendations, is a starting point for discussion on how to cut government spending. Everything must be on the table for discussion and consideration that will allow local government options on cutting spending. That being said, when it comes to consideration of consolidation of government functions, any consideration of Speedway Government for consolidation is off limits. The town of Speedway should be used as a model of how government should run and can be run efficiently and effectively. After all, the purpose of any reform is to save money, not cost the taxpayer more.

Government should, like the citizens it serves, live within its means. I have supported only those budgets that have actually been balanced without gimmicks, smoke and mirrors. The only budget that I have voted for, and supported in my six years has been the first balanced budget in ten years. That is the budget we passed, and the Governor signed, in 2005. It was balanced without gimmicks and we did not “borrow from Peter to pay Paul”. I will continue to support only those budgets that spend no more than we receive in revenues.

In 2005 I voted for the re-configuration of our economic development organization. I support the establishment of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and gave it power to create an environment conducive to bringing new businesses and jobs to Indiana. It is the first time in over a decade that Indiana has had an official and productive entity speaking as one voice for our State in an all out effort to bring real economic growth to Indiana. I will continue to support those efforts that will allow Indiana to grow.

While each session we find ourselves addressing the issue of property taxes, the time has come for the legislature to create a permanent solution to the ever rising property taxes. Local government financing should be a local issue. It is time that the general assembly provides local government officials the flexibility to fund their local services and stand or fall on their local government actions. We need to give local authority to those in charge locally and take away their often used excuse that it is the “legislature’s fault”.

I oppose raising taxes as a solution to government overspending. For every dollar taken out of the economy as a tax, that is one less dollar that will be invested in economic growth and jobs. As the old saying goes; “A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well”. Taxes should be raised only as a last resort and when spending has been cut literally to the bone.

I do believe that life begins at the moment of conception. I also believe that Government must be very careful when getting involved in a doctor and patient relationship. When all is said and done, I will stand for the sanctity of life.

Our children deserve the very best opportunities we can provide for them to succeed. Because I believe that competition is a good thing, I do support charter schools. However, I believe that our public school system is one of the best in the world and stop short of any action that, I believe, will destroy our public education system. I also believe that a good educational foundation is best formed at an early age.

While I do not own a gun, and never have, I support the right to bear arms. Gun mishaps are a result of a lack of knowledge on handling guns and a lack of respect for what a gun can do. Gun violence is a result of our having lost a respect for other peoples’ property and a respect for life. A gun is no more responsible for its misuse or violence than is a knife, a car, or a club such as Kane used on Able.