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Stanislaus County, CA November 5, 2013 Election
Smart Voter

Local Control and Government Transparency

By Joshua L "Josh" Whitfield

Candidate for Council Member; City of Waterford

This information is provided by the candidate
Josh's Positions on Government
I believe that local governments know what is best for their constituents. State government officials continue to pillage tax dollars from communities like Waterford to fund special interests and irresponsible pork. A poor economy means less revenue government which compromises the entire plan for a small city like ours. Sacramento's response has been to raise taxes, shut down redevelopment agencies and take more power for themselves. Our tax dollars should go to benefit our community, our schools and our economy, not Sacramento's political agendas. I will vocally fight for local control, I will not support any measure or candidate for higher office that would take away local control or raise taxes from their seats of power in Sacramento.

A transparent government is the only healthy way a representative form of government can work. I have been a staunch defender of state open meeting law (Brown Act) and ethical government. I have successfully recalled corrupt local officials in 2010 who acted beyond their preview and mandates. I believe clear, concise record keeping is a must for all local governments and that the peoples business should be conducted in front of the people. As a member of City Council, I will always make myself available to my constituents to explain decisions, actions or items that come up over the course of my term. I will be a vocal candidate speaking openly about issues and my positions on them. Engagement between our elected officials and our electors should be the social norm. I have always believed that the accomplice to the crime of political corruption is always the indifference of the voters. I hope to engage my constituents regularly and often.

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ca/stn Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 25, 2013 13:04
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