As we prepare for local elections this Saturday, it’s important to understand that in cities, counties and school districts all across Texas, local officials have been guilty of the very sorts of government growth and poor fiscal management that we see coming out of Washington D.C. Unfortunately, most of us don’t realize, local officials engaged in that condemning rhetoric are often the pot calling the kettle black. Consider this: since 1980 local government officials have spent your tax dollars at more than two and a half times the rate of population growth + inflation. Local government officials have increased LOCAL debt by more than three times our increase in income.
If local government had restrained spending to the rate of population growth + inflation, your family of four would pocket an additional $10,000 per year.
While we need responsible policy makers and leadership in Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas, we also desperately need conscientious local leadership. No one forces government to spend more. Citizens beg for laws that will reign in government growth. In the meantime, how ‘bout we elect a few folks who will do the right thing because it’s the right thing—even if there’s no state law telling them they must.
Local elections are being held all across Texas this Saturday. Vote for responsible leadership, vote for candidates courageous enough to say no to additional spending and bond debt.
