A better tax system will be more FAIR, balancing citizens' ability to pay and the cost and benefits of the government services they consume, and building confidence that the tax laws are being applied evenhandedly to all. A fair tax system will eliminate unfunded mandates by assigning tax responsibility to the same level of government that defines what levels of service will be provided. The success of our representative democracy depends on an active, engaged citizenry. Unfortunately, voter turnout has dropped dramatically nationwide as people have grown distrustful of politicians and our political institutions. While our elected officials are certainly responsible for creating an open and fair system, it is up to citizens to stay involved in their government.
Voting is the most basic measure of citizen involvement.
Increasing voter turnout will help to improve citizen participation and rebuild trust between elected officials and citizens. The state must reaffirm its commitment to quality service for its citizens, with success measured by actual outcomes rather than process, and to a cost-conscious state government. Duplication of state services will be minimized wherever feasible or practical, and adequate communication between governmental units will be assured. Bureaucracy must be minimized. The use of technology will be employed to permit agencies to deliver more efficient and cost-effective services, and to eliminate redundant systems.