Candidate creates government restructuring plan

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

State Representative Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) recently created a plan to make state government less expensive, more nimble, easier to understand as well as environmentally responsible.

Saunders' 3-point plan recommends:

€ That the state treasurer and superintendent of public instruction be nominated by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature instead of standing for election.

€ The General Assembly would be comprised of one member from each county and one member from each Congressional district. Members would each serve a 4-year term.

€ That every line item in the state budget and other spending bills must have two sponsors from different counties and they must be posted on the legislature's web site at least 48 hours before it can be voted on.

"Since the Kernan-Shepard Report has started a useful discussion on the way local government is organized, I believe it is important for us to examine the way state government works," Saunders said. "I am convinced we can do a better job of making state government less expensive, easier for Hoosiers to understand and a better partner for Indiana communities."

Saunders said every Indiana campaign he has ever seen mentions jobs as one of the key issues.

"The reasons we win or lose job opportunities are a combination of state, county and city/town issues," he said. "These reforms for state government can make us a more aggressive competitor for the jobs to come. Having a government that is more responsive to the lives Hoosiers want to lead is an even bigger plus."

He said many people may disagree with various elements of the proposal but he is submitting it to start a discussion on making state government more responsive to the needs of citizens.

"I look forward to the discussion and positive action," Saunders said.

Saunders is currently running for reelection to represent House District 54.