On Taxes. . .

My commitment to you is that if the legislature comes up with new spending programs, I will only support them if the funds come from existing revenues. This is the only way we can ever expect to realize lower taxes. Until other legislators are willing to make this pledge, government will continue to grow. I will never vote for a new or an increase in taxes.

On Education. . .

I've looked into it and I believe we can improve our schools without raising taxes. About half of the money spent on education is not reaching the local classrooms. Per student costs are twice as much in public schools compared to private schools. I agree that our schools need help, but I believe earnestly that it can be accomplished without coming back to taxpayers. Instead, we can shift excess funds from a burgeoning state educational bureaucracy down to the classroom.

On Families. . .

It's time for real property tax reform - so that we can once again claim that we own our own homes. I will work for and support all legislation that gets the state out of the property tax business. Also, private doctor choice and other healthcare decisions belong to individuals--not government. I will stand between our citizens and any attempts for further intrusion. Finally, I believe that happy, healthy families begin with personal responsibility and self-government. The more responsibility the government takes away from the people, the more irresponsible people become. Give the people back their liberties and let's stop punishing families with heavy taxes, and stop doing for people what people can and should do for themselves.