Issues
Economy & Jobs
During this period of economic turmoil, stimulating job growth is critical to our state's future. We must preserve and improve upon the regulatory and tax environment that has supported the growth of business in this state over the past decades. It's time to remember the free market made our state and our country great, not big government. Over the past several years I have worked closely with some of the top business leaders of northern Nevada and heard their concerns about how state government interacts with their business operations. I have their support in this campaign because they know I will fight for every job and work with the private sector rather than allow government bureaucracies to tie their hands.
Education
50 percent of students entering ninth grade in Nevada will not graduate from high school. That's flat out pathetic and we owe it to our children to do better because if we don't we're condemning half of our future to a life of poverty. My children will graduate from high school and I understand that it's my responsibility to make sure of it. We must give parents more control over their child's education by promoting the development of more charter schools, as well as turning over greater authority to individual schools for educating their students. We also need to hold teachers and administrators accountable for the success of their students' learning.
Leadership
There is a lot more to being an effective Legislator sitting down and pushing a red button, voting no and telling your constituents 'I fought for you today.' The true leaders are willing to take on the difficult issues and solve problems. True leaders are willing to get their hands dirty and fight for what is right. This is the type of Legislator I will be, one that is able to shepherd good, but complicated legislation through the process. One committed more to making good policy than good politics.
Spending & Role Of Government
Ultimately the government needs to provide essential services, but if the tax burden government puts on its citizens in order to exceed that level of essential services outweighs the value of what it provides than government is making poor decisions about its role. Government touches all of our lives in one way or another, through the school system, our transportation infrastructure, regulation of business, the courts, or social services. Universally, government touches our lives. The key to structuring government is to make this interaction a positive in our lives and not a burden. I believe it's time for our government to make some of the tough decisions every other Nevadan is making right now. We must scrutinize every program, every expense, every decision, now more than ever.
Taxes
We should be crafting tax policy that stimulates growth and attracts new jobs. Instead it seems too often government puts a higher tax burden on the very small businesses that drive our economy and create jobs. While taxpayer dollars ensure we have educated children, safe roads to drive on and safe communities, their overuse to fund pet projects are harmful to business and families, particularly during a recession. It is essential that we demand accountability out of our government to ensure we're wringing every drip of benefit from each tax dollar government receives.
