- I think it makes sense in a lot of cases to think about issues at the neighborhood level, or perhaps even lower. In fact, wherever possible, it would be preferable to encourage or facilitate neighbors working together to find the answers to their own problems. A lot can be learned through polls or surveys and neighborhood meetings. In the best case scenario, those on opposite sides can be brought together to find common ground. In my mind, if residents of any given area can show that there is general agreement to do something in their neighborhood, or to prevent something from happening in their neighborhood, the city should do their best to empower the neighborhood and allow them to do what is right for them, even if no other area feels the same way. This is essentially an application of the economic principle of mutually beneficial exchange to local government.
What about Education?
- I have a lot of thoughts about our educational system, but I recognize that this is primarily the job of the School Board. Nevertheless, the city council does need to keep in mind the impact that decisions have on the educational system. Decisions that result in dramatic changes in the location of school-age children cause disruption and planning challenges for the school board and should be taken into account.
- I believe in a limited government, including the importance of making decisions at the lowest level of government that is practical.
- I recognize that this means that many issues will be best addressed at the municipal level, or possibly lower, especially with a city the size of Provo.
- In a limited government framework, the best approach to public policy requires restraint in exercising the powers available to elected officials.
- All issues that come before the city council should be handled through the following careful policy process:
- 1. Clearly identify the issue. Often, most of the work in crafting good policy lies in framing the problem. Policy makers must take the effort to figure out the root cause of the problem so that they do not end up simply treating the symptoms and leaving the cause unaddressed.
- 2. Craft an appropriate response. With a clear understanding of the problem to be addressed, policy makers should then seek to put forward a solution that involves the least amount of government intervention possible. The danger of exercising government power and the enemy of good public policy is the unintended consequence. With a narrow approach to problem solving, unintended consequences and redistribution of wealth are minimized.
