Declaration
I choose to run for County Commissioner in this election not because it is easy, but because it is hard.
The years ahead will test us as not only as a county, but as a community. Financial security for our government as well as our families will be tested. We are at a crossroads that demands we as a people must be fiscally responsible. The days of our County budget being paid for by all Americans’ tax dollars are over, and we must now operate within our means.
In 2000, the Federal Government gave us secure funding for six years. They told us to prepare for the end. At the end of the six years we were fortunate and got a seventh. We’ve had seven years to put our house in order and prepare to operate within our own tax revenue. Instead of preparing, our County Government has continued to operate in a delusional state, believing that the Federal Government would continue to bail us out year after year. The Federal Government is now standing by their word and the free ride is over.
We as individuals and families are expected to live within our own means. It is time to demand that our County Government do the same. Because of the waste and wayard politics in County Government, the taxpayers have a mistrust of what is and what isn’t represented to them. The citizens of Josephine County as a whole cannot tell you where their tax dollars are going.
Other candidates such as Harry Mackin and Frank Iverson seem to think that increasing the size of our government and quadrupling people’s property taxes is the best solution. Bigger government and more personal financial burden is not what the majority of people in Josephine County want or need. We have continuously voted down County Manager form of government. We have continuously voted down increasing our tax burden. The people have continued to lobby for smaller government and less taxes. But here we go again, candidates campaigning against the will and vote of the people, threatening them with county bankruptcy and/or government annexation if we don’t do what they say. Scare tactics from these politicians is all too commonplace.
Living within our means will not be easy, it will be hard. I believe the voters will not favor a tax increase until they see for themselves what our government looks like operating within their own means. There may be layoffs and terminations. There may be calls that go unanswered and services no longer offered. It will be a difficult transition for many while others will go unnoticed. But the face of our government will change. Once the dust clears, the citizens of Josephine County will be able to see first hand what they have and what they want. If there are services lost that the majority want back, they will pay for them then, not now when past and present commissioners have not shown fiscal restraint and responsibility.
I will work hard to bring us in line and in budget with the tax revenues that you give us. I will pare down County Government and give you the transparency you demand. I will not go back on my word. I will abide by the will of the voters. If you are not satisfied with the job I do, you can vote me out of office and I will abide by your decision. I am for the people, by the people, and of the people.
I am Cliff Thomason for County Commissioner.
