Political Philosophy for Paul Johnson

Candidate for
Governor

My philosophy is one that says that it is predominantly the private sector, not government that drives the economic engine, especially at the state and local levels. Government taps into that economic engine to pay for those things you and I see as being important: education, police protection, parks, libraries, streets and other services. All of those things contribute to economic development but they are not the real creators of jobs. Certainly, investment in physical and human infrastructure is essential to our future, but when the economy is in trouble government cannot continue to tax and expand without risking further damage to the economy.

Unfortunately, the two political parties often foster an "us versus them" economic debate. One party has historically focused on the importance of redistributive social programs and ensuring that the economic pie is divided fairly. Those programs are important, especially to kids who come from the type of neighborhoods I come from. But the same party places little stress on expanding the economic pie. In fact it usually demagogues on the very things that would expand the pie by making it a "haves versus have-nots" debate. This party faces the risk of fighting over an ever-diminishing pie while it continues to lose its historical middle-class base.

The other party certainly cares about expanding the economic pie, but often exhibits little if any concern for the social programs that help those individuals who are less able to succeed. Often this party is non-inclusive. Much of its most vocal leadership goes to bed every night believing poor people are poor because they are lazy.

We have made much progress with governmental programs. But when the economy contracts, the only way for state and local government to maintain such programs is through increases in taxes. And taxing an economy that is already suffering risks plunging it further into the abyss.

The key for the Democratic Party in the years ahead will not be to abandon the idea that through government we can address many of society's problems. However, we must show that we understand that the economy is our first priority and that the most important program is a job. We must show that we understand that there is a relationship between business and labor and that neither is the enemy. We must show that we can balance a budget, cut back when necessary, and not be afraid to do the right thing regardless of the special interests we may effect.