Ronald Reagan said that government’s approach to the economy is this: if it moves tax it, if it keeps moving regulate it and if it stops moving subsidize it. Too often this approach perfectly describes our state and local government. If we want to improve New Mexico’s economy we need to lower taxes and lessen regulation. These two simple principles will help unleash the energy of the individual. It is a basic truth that people work creatively and efficiently when they are able to reap the rewards of their efforts.

Additionally, we must bring our government spending under control. Since 2005 the Bernalillo County expenditures have increased from $220 million to $521 million (pdf). This is not sustainable, especially when our total revenue has increased from $270 million to $462 million. We have gone from having annual budget surpluses to having annual budget deficits despite having a nearly $200 million increase in our annual revenue. There is no reason we cannot, and in fact we must, reduce the rate of growth in government and cut wasteful spending.

One of the most frustrating things about government spending is that we have no idea what government is doing with our money. Do you believe the money is being properly spent on infrastructure, police and appropriate economic development? It seems government increases taxes and decreases services.

We must hold criminals accountable. It is a function of individual responsibility to require someone who breaks the law to suffer the consequences. We are currently spending about two and a half million dollars a year to have other states house our prisoners. Why do the other states have vacancies in their prisons but we do not? What is it about New Mexico that invites crime?

Guiliani reduced crime dramatically in New York City by employing a “broken windows” approach. When a criminal walks into a neighborhood and sees broken windows and graffiti, he knows that there is no one in charge and he can do as he pleases. Thus, Guliani instructed the police to arrest those who jumped subway turnstiles, defaced buildings and committed other “minor” crimes. It turns out many of those who committed the minor crimes had warrants outstanding for committing larger crimes. We must employ this approach.

One more word about taxes, property taxes are too high. While it is true that the County Commission does not exercise direct authority over property taxes, the high property taxes makes it incumbent on the County Commission to reduce taxes elsewhere and where possible work to lower property tax.

To again quote Ronald Reagan, “It is not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work – work with us, not over us; stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity not stifle it.”