I find it ironic that for the past decade, the people in power in Tallahassee have been engaged in a systematic attempt to dismantle state government. Whether it is Grover Norquist’s famous quote that he wanted to make government small enough to drown in a bathtub, or Jeb Bush’s pledge to empty government buildings of employees, our political office holders have made their contempt for state workers clear.
I see things differently. I believe in the core functions of government. I believe that our State must collect sufficient revenue to fund these core functions. And I fear for the future of our State and its people if we continue down the present path.
What are the core functions of government? Here is my list, and in the weeks ahead, I will expand my discussion of these topics.
EDUCATION: The Florida Constitution makes it clear that this is a core function of government. “The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida.” The Florida Legislature has ignored this “fundamental value” and is in the process of dismantling our system of public education at all levels. I will be an advocate for our local schools, teachers, and school boards, and for our colleges and universities. The key component to good jobs is to have a well-educated work force.
LEGAL SYSTEM: Law Enforcement, judges, clerks of the court, the Department of Corrections are all key state employees. This legislature has no problem passing more laws, while cutting the budgets of the systems in place to enforce those laws. We should adequately fund our courts, ensure access to all litigants, get “smart on crime,” and stop balancing the budget on the backs of our State workers. Finally, our laws should encourage voters, not restrict registration or make voting more difficult.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Florida has abundant resources and a fragile ecosystem. We must balance development against protection and preservation of our natural environment. Government must look into the future and plan for climate change, beach erosion and water shortages. Regulations can usually be improved but we must not lose sight of why they were necessary in the first place.
Florida’s economy for my entire life has been based on “growth.” Now we must focus that growth on our urban core. Infrastructure must be repaired or replaced, commercial property rehabilitated, and residential neighborhoods improved and stabilized.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Ultimately government is here to protect the health and well being of our citizens. Ours is not a country where we will stand by while children go hungry, families remain homeless, and chronic health conditions go untreated. Government has a proper role to play to ensure efficient delivery of these services for the benefit of us all.
I am running for the legislature because I will advocate for these core functions of government, to improve our systems as we move forward into the 21st century, and to provide for the general welfare of the people of our state.