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Orange, San Diego County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Mark Patlan

Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 73; Republican Party

This information is provided by the candidate

I am a fiscal conservative who believes that the free market system is the best for providing opportunity and economic well-being. I believe that government should be guided by ethics and principles. Below are some of the principles that guide my political philosophy.

FREEDOM
We are born free to pursue happiness and to make moral choices. Our freedom is one of our greatest gifts and we should jealously protect it.

FAIRNESS
The foundation of democracy must be fundamental fairness. Fairness and justice require that everyone pay their fair share of the costs of government. The essence of democratic fairness is a simple Golden Rule + treat others the way that you would like to be treated.

OPPORTUNITY
Our state government's highest priority should be to ensure that our children have the opportunity to prosper. This requires that all children (rich and poor alike) have access to quality education. This also means that we must create an economic climate that encourages business growth and job creation.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Government and elected officials must be held accountable for their spending and their results. We must increase government accountability by increasing local control so that voters can better watch their elected officials. We must increase accountability of elected officials and party establishments at the ballot box by rejecting elected officials who put their self-interest before ours.

BALANCE
Government must balance costs and benefits because good intentions have unintended consequences. Ordinary people balance costs and benefits every day when we make decisions because we know that this is how the real world works. Government should do the same.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 18, 2008 15:19
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