Returning Government to the Local Level

By Robert C. "Bob" Harbicht

I firmly believe that the best government is that that is closest to the people.

The things that are most important to us -- crime prevention, fire safety, parks, recreation, libraries, streets, etc. -- are all provided at the local level. This is where our tax dollars should be spent.

I believe that local city councils and school boards know very well what their communities need. They should be making the decisions of how are tax dollars are spent.

They are also responsive to the people. If we want to talk to our local elected officials, we can call them up or run into them in the coffee shop or church. This makes local government more responsive to our needs.

I pledge to return dollars and decision making authority to the local level. Big government is not the answer to our needs.