Guiding Principles
The two general principles I will use in making decisions on your behalf are:
- THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER. Programs that benefit only a small number of persons or firms are not good public policy. We should follow the “Utilitarian Principle” which stresses the moral superiority of providing the maximum benefit for the greatest number of people.
- THE BIGGEST BANG FOR THE BUCK. All government programs- be they national, state or local- should stress efficiency and effectiveness. Government programs are funded with your tax dollars and you have a right to expect that every dollar will be spent wisely. Measurable outcomes of programs are used to determine effectiveness. Pouring money into a program without looking at desired outcomes is often a waste of money-like pouring it down a hole. Efficiency looks at how money is spend-frugality here is important.
The above principles will be used as yardsticks to determine whether policy proposals are frugal and wise. If so, they will have my vote and your support. If not, they should not be enacted.