A Common Man's Point Of View

Fixing our government

We must have simplicity, efficiency and transparency in all things pertaining to the workings of our government.  Every issue, idea, position, and solution, must be expressed in clear, easy to understand language so we do not have to rely on or trust anyone to decipher anything for us.  We must limit the influence of large multi-state and multi-national corporations, national and international special interests groups, and the many lobbyists that are permanently camped in the halls of our government. If we do this, the common man and woman's voices will not be ignored as they are now.  This is our government, meant to oversee our affairs, and must not be subject to corporate or outside influence or manipulation as it is now.

To achieve this goal there are a number of options available or a solution as simple as allowing campaign contributions to come from only registered voters in the district that would be served by that candidate or open the floodgates and allow unlimited donations from anyone with  full and immediate disclosure of every dollar or thing of value donated. In the first scenario we would effectively block corporate, special interest, foreign, and anonymous money from buying elections. In the second, we would at least know who is trying to buy our elections and be able to vote accordingly.

 Term limits should also be reconsidered. Term limits are a well intentioned idea that has not solved the problem of entrenched influence but made matters worse. When we elect a person to serve us, as any employer, we reserve the right to terminate that employment for failure to perform.  Additionally, a key person who is good at their job should be kept on as long as that person is relevant and effective. Every election cycle we can term limit or “fire" any elected official that has proven to be incapable, incompetent, irrelevant, or ineffective.

 Our concerns about term-limits has caused us to lose sight of where the real problems lie.  Consider the influential lobbyists who have no term limits or restrictions on their actions. Lobbyists, with unlimited access to our government and elected officials, are ultimately the most powerful, influential, and long lasting entities influencing our government and this is what we must put an end to.

 Lastly, I believe we should make serving in our state legislature a full time position with an increase in pay while at the same time putting very strict restrictions on campaign contributions and sources of income our elected legislators can earn directly and indirectly both during and for a set period after serving in office.  Take the incentive out of crooked politics and we just may solve the problem.

Our Economy (Top)

The invention, innovation, manufacturing, and distribution of solar, wind, hydro, and thermal energy products and technology, as well as next generation battery technology can, and must, be an integral part of the answer to our economic troubles. The efforts and investments we make now in these areas will create the kind of long-term, sustainable, and good paying jobs that can not be outsourced to other nations.

If we do not lead the way into the future, we will be forced to follow others who are daring to make the investments.  China, South Korea, and even Saudi Arabia are just a few of the nations that are well ahead of us on the path to embracing a Green Economy.  We cannot afford to wait and find ourselves, once again, dependent upon other nations.

By investing in a Green Economy, our generation can take its place along side the "Greatest Generation" who stepped up and made the necessary sacrifices to not just defend out nation during WWII but to build for the future.  Will we meet this challenge, or leave it to our children to do what we failed to do?  We must set aside partisan politics, let go of the past, and face a future that is coming, whether we like it or not.

Taxes, Spending, and Revenue (Top)

We want the best military, police, fire, and rescue services available. We want fair and efficient courts and secure prisons. We want parks, sidewalks and streetlights. We also want our unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, and every other program that affects or benefits each of us in one way or another.

To do all of this we must develop a tax revenue generation model that is reliable and ensures a consistent budget so that in lean times we don’t have to cut the services we all want and in times of plenty we can set aside money for emergencies and the future.

We cannot have what we want without paying for it and I do not believe any of us wants a free ride.  We do expect our tax dollars to be used wisely and responsibly by those we entrust to oversee our affairs; the people we elect to office.   I would propose the following property, sales, and income tax ideas along with language assuring that no one part can be increased without an equal decrease in the others.  

2% Property tax

Restructure Florida’s revenue generation model so we no longer rely solely on property taxes and sales tax. I believe we need a change in our property tax structure so that all residential properties, i.e., primary residences, second homes, and rental properties, would pay an annual tax equal to 2% of the original purchase price with an annual tax increase capped as it is now by the current Save Our Homes program.

2% Sales tax

Sales taxes drive away the important tourist dollars we rely on as well as weigh unfairly on those who earn the least. Sales taxes also affect the amount of income we have to save, spend, or invest.  I believe a lower tax rate, coupled with an end to the corporate special interest sales tax exemptions that do not benefit the general public would generate a considerable amount of the revenue needed for our state.

2% Income tax

Yes, an income tax. We are no longer just a retiree state but a state of young, old, and everything in-between. We are young people trying to build lives, families with children, seniors hoping to age with dignity and grace, and businesses trying to thrive or just survive.  A flat 2% income tax with no deductions would ensure substantial revenues without unfairly burdening anyone or creating an expensive tax reporting process.

Jobs Creation (Top)

The invention, innovation, manufacturing, and distribution of solar, wind, hydro, and thermal energy producing products and technology as well as next generation battery technology can and must be the answer to our economic troubles. The efforts and investments we make now in these areas will create the kind of long-term, sustainable, good paying jobs that can not be outsourced to other nations. 

Education (Top)

An educated society is the key to our future. Innovation, invention, and leadership are the by-products of a good education.  By providing the best education possible to all of our children, we ensure the best future for them, our state, and our nation.  We can also resolve many of the social issues that plague us. There are those who argue we spend too much, too little, or that educational money is spent foolishly.  I agree with each point of view, in moderation.  I offer one of my favorite quotes, courtesy of Mr. Ben Franklin.

"If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the highest return."

This does not mean we should throw money away with politicized educational plans but to invest wisely in education.  An undeniable fact is that we can not provide our children the best education possible cheaply.  We can also not allow children's education to be part of anyone's profit making venture.  The return on our investment as a society in educating our children will be to ensure their competitiveness and success which in turn will be the success of our nation and society.

I believe we must pay our teachers like the highly trained and committed professionals we expect them to be.  Those who do not meet the highest standards should also be subject to the same risks as others in professions with high expectations. Our teachers are entrusted with preparing our children to be leaders, inventors, innovators, and the backbone of America's workforce, and the best is not cheap.

The Environment (Top)

We are on this earth for only a short time and in the time we are on this planet, we should do everything we can to protect it for future generations.  The land we are on is not ours to bend to our will, but ours to live in harmony with.  Land, air, and water pollution are real.  Recycling, renewable energy, smart use of lands for farming and construction are all real solutions. 

Being responsible caretakers of our planet fits with every religious, moral, and ethical belief system possible.  The earth is not Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Socialist or Communist.  The earth is not any race, religion, or creed, it is simply the land that supports us.  Will we continue to grind it underfoot or recognize our immense responsibility?

I believe we must consider the impact of all we do against how our actions might impact the earth.  What good are all the riches if the land we stand on is poisoned, the water unfit or scarce, and the air as likely to sicken you as not?

Rights and Equality (Top)

This is one of the simplest of issues to address. Every human being has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In the United States of America, our Constitution spells this out clearly. Race, religion, sexual preference or orientation, income or educational level, none of that matters. If you are a citizen of the United States of America you are guaranteed certain rights and we must not let anything change that.  No group or individual has the right to change, limit, restrict, deny, or amend the rights of any other American citizen. The endless efforts of various groups to impose their will on others have lead to more government intervention in our lives and less freedom and equality.

The Future (Top)

These are my views, crafted with an open mind and focused on answers, not arguments.  My mind and my heart tell me to run yet I know the road before me would not be an easy one.  There is still much to consider and this is a decision I will not rush. 

 -Bill Ramos