And in the event when incomes are depleted, some items must be sold to pay for the basic necessities. For example, my parents were frugal; they did not spend beyond their means. I learned that the family works together to make ends meet. If income is conserved, saved, bills can be met. When there is indebtedness, only necessities can be afforded. Any use of money beyond necessities must be restricted until there is a surplus.

In California, when the surplus is large enough, rebates may be issued to the taxpayer. Government must be responsible to the taxpayer; however, most taxpayers have learned and accepted indebtedness as a way of life. We, the people of California, have the freedom of choice, we can choose not to overextend ourselves on a personal level, a family level, and on a State level.

I recently attended the Community Renewal Summit, a conference, in Los Angeles where I met a financial counselor. He stated that many people who came to him for financial advice, were unwilling to give up their cell phones, their cable, or their gourmet coffee even when the loss of their home was eminent. I was shocked. I clearly live according to a different set of priorities.

On a practical level, public agencies that were a reasonable size and affordable a few years ago, but have expanded greatly, need to shrink so the taxpayer can afford the benefits" derived from such agencies. Many services provided by public agencies should be returned to the individual property owner. It then follows that since government would be delivering fewer services, government would need less money to operate. Taxes could then be reduced. It is clear that neither can California continue to spend more than is taken in nor can California taxpayer cover the California’s indebtedness by continued increases in taxes, bonds, and creative assessments." The fiscal belt" of California must be tightened.

Now, let’s address the integrity, moral issue. Many legislators are aware of some of the concerns herein expressed. Yet, there is a general failure to correct the problem. Some say to try to change the course of things is too much work. President Harry S. Truman said, if it’s too hot in the kitchen, get out." Some say that things have gone too far so it’s too late. My response to this is that if you can’t do the job you shouldn’t get paid; do the honorable thing by resigning your position. Again, it is a moral problem. Others say that to make the appropriate changes would be unpopular or contrary to party dictates. I say that the elected official needs to be responsible to the people, not the party if a choice is to be made. To do so requires integrity and moral fiber. Certainly you know, by now, my position concerning a decision relative to serving the people versus, I’m up for re-election."

2 Chronicles 7:14                                                                         back to top

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.