Budget & Taxes

Over the past several years the City has raised taxes too often and by too large of a margin. Instead of tax increases, we need to reduce government spending by decreasing the debt load, eliminating waste and corruption, and increasing the use of privatization. The City must reduce the number of new projects it plans and refocus its priorities. City government's role is to provide public safety (i.e., police, fire and ambulance) and basic services (e.g., water, sewer, and transportation).

I am proud of my record as the only member of the City Council to have voted against every single proposed tax increase since I took office. I have consistently fought raising property tax rates, the vehicle tax and the gasoline tax. I will continue to serve as the taxpayer's advocate at the City Council. As a councilmember I have proposed legislation to finally put a cap on the City's spending and debt and I advocate restraining expansion of the City bureaucracy.

As a state representative, I was a strong advocate for fiscal discipline and financial responsibility. I voted against all tax increases and fought against raiding "special" funds such as the Hurricane Relief Fund. I was proud to co-sponsor legislation authorizing privatization of government services. I strongly support much more aggressive use of privatization of City services to help balance our budget. In addition, civil service reform remains an elusive goal we need to address. I strongly support reforming civil service laws to reduce the cost of government employment.