Transparency and Responsibility in Government

By Gary Pritchard

As informed citizens, we need to know how our tax dollars are spent. Our legislators must make earmark spending as well as all parts of the budget transparent to every voter.

Fiscal responsibility is imperative at all times, the good and the bad. Why doesn't the State currently have a surplus from when our economy was booming? Important revenues were cut and spending was expanded without any regard for unforeseen future economic circumstances. Would the average household not prepare for hard times by saving when times are good? Should we not expect the same common sense approach in our Government by demanding our legislature treat our money like theirs?

The State Government should make it easier to live in Orange County and it's the job of your Senate Representative to be sure that your interests as a resident in Orange County are a priority to them. Even if they do not have all the solutions, they should be willing to work towards resolving legislative gridlock which will never get better with time.