Principles. Ideas. Policies.

As a City, we need to restore the principles that made us great, foster ideas that will make us better, and cultivate policies that can guide our decisions into the future.

Principles

Because of the polarized culture we live in, you have been taught to vote based solely on my views regarding civil liberties, national security, healthcare, the size of government, immigration, etc. Lost in all these issues, however, is the character of the candidates. Many people have lost confidence in the electoral system because our leaders often lack the principles that define public service. While the issues are important, they do not define me, and they do not determine my principles. Rather, my principles define who I am.

I believe in the ideas of personal responsibility and public accountability. I am committed to returning the notion of service to the office of public servant. And while I have many principles, they can all be summarized in one word: Character. My character defines me because it encompasses everything I do. It is the combination of avoiding the wrong things, but also having the strength to do the right thing. One without the other is worthless, and falls short of real leadership.

Des Moines is a thriving, growing community, but requires honest leaders willing to stand on principles. Only principle will restore the trust of citizens and rebuild the public's confidence in public officials. My sole special interest will be the people of Des Moines, because we cannot prosper as a City with any other focus.

Ideas

Welcome Industry (click to expand)

The Mayor and City Council should initiate dialog with industries, welcome them, and facilitate their establishment in Des Moines. This would enable the City to expand the tax base and provide jobs to our people. Overbearing red tape and hurdles should be removed for the sake of job growth. If industry can self-regulate certain functions within strict guidelines, then City bureaucracy should give it up.

Get Actively Involved in Education

The City Council should get actively involved with the Des Moines School Board to improve the quality of education of our kids. Our future depends on the education of our children, and this should be a collaborative effort.

Create a Comprehensive City Plan

Long term planning, prioritization, and elimination of wasteful spending are necessary to address continuous budget problems and critical in developing a vision for our city. Changes must be made to the budgeting process. It is not enough to simply balance the budget, but instead the budget should become one part in a comprehensive plan designed to attain specific goals, and to attain the overarching vision of the City. All programs should be justified periodically for their existence and continuation.

Involve Citizens and Allow the People to Govern

The City Council makes difficult decisions affecting many people and various aspects of our City. Naturally, every decision is not popular, nor supported by every constituent. In this process, however, the people must be consulted. Their voices should be respected, and their ideas valued, instead of simply tolerated.

Policies

Empower the People to Govern (click to expand)

Government is most effective when it is closest to the people. I believe that people speak through individuals, neighborhoods, and businesses and I have a duty to listen.
One reason our government is broken because it lacks the trust of the people. Citizens are unable to become involved in the process because they are not valued, respected, and consulted.
The City Council was created for the City and for the betterment of its citizens, not for my political or economic gain.
Transparency in government is necessary for accountability and citizen trust. In creating a transparent Council, it requires that the leaders develop sound policy that can be rationally justified and effectively explained to the voter.
Citizens rightfully demand the ability to voice their thoughts and ideas about policy, programming, and implementation, rather than having it done under a cloak of secrecy.

Develop Accountability to the Voters

The City Council makes difficult decisions affecting many people and various aspects of our City. Naturally, every decision is not popular, nor supported by every constituent. In this process, however, the people must be consulted. Their voices should be respected, and their ideas valued, instead of simply tolerated.
People are tired of politics as usual, and my commitment is to restore your trust in our government. In order for you to trust me, you must know where I stand. My principles define me and I will not waver from them for political expediency. While I cannot apologize for this stand, I assure you that I will invest the time necessary to make careful, informed decisions and work even harder to explain the justification for, and reasoning behind, those decisions.
The government is spending your money, and you should expect it to be used in a fiscally disciplined manner. You have the ability to hold the government accountable for its decisions. Just as your family must live within a budget, the government should be required to live within its means.

Begin Measuring Government by the Results Achieved

The success of our government should be measured by the results achieved. This means budgeting for results and time-specific measurable goals that monitor all government agencies in performance and continual progress toward goal achievement. Simply put, we must provide a systematic way of cutting programs that are not producing results.
Changes must be made to the budgeting process. It is not enough to simply balance the budget, but instead the budget should become one part in a comprehensive plan designed to attain specific goals, and to attain the overarching vision of the City.
See the Des Moines Mission Statement here: Vision & Mission
Out of control spending disgusts nearly every American taxpayer and it needs to stop. Every citizen desires to reduce the size of government, remove the excess, create political accountability, and pursue a higher standard of integrity. This all begins at the city level.
Allow private sector businesses to bid on government projects, which would allow the city to make decisions based on results. Instead of creating mandates which promote mediocrity, we should establish incentives that encourage growth, productivity, and success.

Create Prosperity for Des Moines and its Citizens

Education needs to be a priority in order to regain Iowa's national status. In this effort, Des Moines must lead the charge to educate, prepare, and develop our students for tomorrow. Our focus must begin with early childhood education and continue by establishing an effective, quality curriculum, while retaining and attracting the best teachers available.
Limit government to collecting taxes for infrastructure, education, security, and to help those that are unable to help themselves. This includes limiting taxes and creating fair opportunities for all businesses and individuals. Taxes are an important and necessary function of government, but never at the expense of its citizens' prosperity.
It is necessary to approach environmental issues with practical, innovative, and forward-thinking ideas as good stewards of the Earth. By preserving our parks and trails, and maintaining our road, water, and sewer infrastructure, the City can aid in this process and enhance our quality of life.

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