GUIDING PRINCIPLES

As government depends on taxpayer dollars for its existence, the least amount of government possible (to provide agreed upon necessary services and protect citizens' rights) is best.

The County (both elected and appointed officials) should be fully accountable to the people of the county. This means maximum participation, transparency and implementation of accountability mechanisms.

While you elect commissioners to make decisions for the citizens of the county, they are your servants. Your commissioners should be accessible, should gather input from their constituents, and should make the best decisions for their constituents and be able to explain why they made the decisions they did.

When taxpayer dollars must be spent, they should provide the biggest benefit to the largest number of taxpayers.

I believe that government that is closest to the people is best, providing direct accountability.

I believe in fiercely advocating for what I believe is right, and for the interests of my constituents. I believe that our communities need an advocate to champion their interests, and to promote their virtues.

I believe that county employees should be honored for their work and compensated fairly. I believe that large retirement bonuses are not appropriate for government service.

We have an opportunity, being a “small place”. We can raise the bar, expect more. We can show an example. We don’t have to settle. We can show what good governance is. We can show what a pro-active, engaged community looks like.