Responsible Spending
We must live within our means. Unnecessary or over-budgeted programs must be reduced to keep our essential services in the black. When your County goes $40 million over budget, you don’t wait to be bailed out by your friends in Springfield. And in my opinion, public safety jobs like Sheriff’s Deputies and jail guards should not be the first on the chopping block.
As your representative, I pledge to take stock of the money sinks in our County’s budget - museums, building maintenance, new road construction - and work to allocate those funds where they are needed the most. As our County grows, we’ve got to be able to withstand the growing pains. There’s no reason why property tax income and existing fees should not be able to cover County expenses.
Also, I will work hard to make sure our County’s contracts are bid fairly and openly, and are chosen based upon the most cost-effective solutions for the County, while maintaining a high quality of service to our residents and businesses.
