If the recent economic upheaval has taught us anything, it is that any institution lacking a strong tradition of fiscal responsibility is risking more than embarrassment and bad press – it’s flirting with bankruptcy.

The City of Columbia has learned this lesson the hard way, having to make some hard choices.  One thing is for certain, though; it’s time for this city to be more responsible with your tax dollars.

Steve proposes a series of reforms to bring common sense back into the budget process by doing the following:

• Setting priorities
• Cutting waste
• Maintaining accountability


Setting Priorities

We all have to tighten our belts in a tough economy. But in making cuts, we must preserve core services that are vital to our city's well-being.

When budget writers try to balance the books on the backs of our dedicated police officers and firefighters, they put our homes and our lives in real danger. Steve will use every tool possible to keep that from happening again.

Making sure all of our citizens are safe and secure is Steve's first priority and, as mayor, he will make sure that priority is reflected in the city’s budget.


Cutting Waste

While Steve is dedicated to fully funding those services absolutely necessary to Columbia’s safety, there are a number of areas where precious tax dollars are being wasted at an alarming rate.

In some cases this misuse is easy to identify and correct, but often it is much more difficult.

As mayor, Steve will undertake a comprehensive review of our city’s finances to find out where all the leaks are and, upon finding them, fix them.


Maintaining Accountability

Once we have managed to get our fiscal house in order, Steve will take steps to ensure we do not repeat those mistakes that got us here, including maintaining financial accountability -- and that means that someone has to be watching Columbia’s books full-time.

As mayor, Steve will work to fill an office left vacant for too long and hire a Chief Financial Officer with the authority not just to find financial discrepancies, but to fix them.

Do you have ideas for increasing fiscal responsibility in Columbia's city government?  Share your suggestions with Steve here.