Reforming Our Government

Every Oregonian has a stake in our government – not only in its outcomes, but in the political process itself. In addition to seeking civility in our nation's Capitol, we should also be seeking ways to make government more efficient and clean up the political process.

• Close the Floodgates.

The Citizen's United vs. Federal Election Commission ruling by the Supreme Court ended the long standing precedent of limiting the amount of money interest groups could use to influence federal elections. As the possibility of a Constitutional Amendment to address this imbalance moves forward, there should be immediate legislative limits to bring accountability to the political process. We should at a minimum require that no corporate money can be used on political campaigns without a vote of the shareholders and approval of the board of directors. .

• Support public financing.

The Fair Elections Now Act would provide public financing to candidates who can prove that they are able to garner a broad base of individual support, not just incumbents and candidates who are connected to well financed interest groups.

• Improve federal coordination and cooperation.

Federal policies have often led to today’s unproductive and even destructive patterns of community neglect, inefficient energy use, economic dislocation, and environmental damage. Sadly, in many cases, American taxpayers have paid for it. The idea of Livable Communities creates a new, dynamic partnership in which the federal government enables and helps local governments create places where people are safe, healthy and economically secure.

• Hold candidates to a high standard of civility.

How candidates treat each other and the public should become a qualification for office, not just fodder for the media. Every voter, not just those deeply involved with the political process, should demand a higher degree of civility from every politician.