TAKE BACK GOVERNMENT
Our next round of leaders must put fiscal responsibility first, so vote for candidates who support TASC
BY GEORGE HARRIS

George Harris is publisher of Liberty Watch: The Magazine. He is also a political activist and successful Southern Nevadan businessman. Reach Harris at gopgeorge@earthlink.net  Other stories by George Harris

Nevada has experienced eight years of economic abuse under the mis-leadership of Kenny Guinn. It is important to keep this in mind when considering the candidates and priorities for the next administration and legislative session.

Considering the tax increases of 2003 and our painful annual property tax payments, fiscal responsibility should top all voters' priority lists when considering candidates for the nearing primary and general elections. The rule of thumb to determine who will be a responsible leader versus a tax-and-spend bureaucrat is simple: If a candidate supports the Tax and Spending Control (TASC) amendment, then that candidate will put the people's best interests first.

Seeing that 152,984 signatures were collected to place TASC on the ballot this fall, I have faith that I'm not the only Nevadan fed up with the Californication of our great Silver State. The people of Nevada sent a clear message to their elected officials at the conclusion of the signature gathering - the days of overspending to justify additional tax hikes are numbered. Hopefully that message resonates with anyone interested in making decisions in 2007.

On page 23, you will find a voter's guide that identifies candidates who the Republican Liberty Caucus supports. This is a solid indication of who cares about limiting government. While the list is convenient, allow me to further detail the values that conservatives (and honestly all voters) must look for in candidates.

Of course, I've addressed putting restraints on taxation. Candidates must take this concept a step further and be willing to cut spending. 

Government's size and scope has reached beyond acceptable levels. If they were faithful to America's Founding Fathers, lawmakers would finance a government that focused only on the mission of our Constitution. It's time to walk the walk and cut spending.

Qualified candidates must advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, they should be concerned about lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and promoting charitable - rather than government - welfare. 

Regarding entreprenuerism, the state of Nevada currently is not business-friendly due to high taxes and overly-burdensome regulation. Starting a business is difficult, let alone maintaining one. This forces businesses to relocate outside the state, and greatly affects employment opportunities for Nevadans outside the hospitality and gaming industries. 

Worthwhile candidates must have a solid understanding that government intervention in the economy imperils both the personal freedom and the material prosperity of everyone. The free market, which respects individual rights in voluntary trade with other individuals, should be allowed to function unhindered by government. The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. 

Ultimately, the government serves the people. The people do not serve the government, but based on the out-of-control taxation and regulations on everything from seatbelt use to business practices, that unfortunately is not the case. We can't change everything this election, but with patience and by laying the framework to one day take government back, we will make change. 

The government has evolved into an entity with its own instinct of self-preservation and expansion. Voters must assert the proper role of government as one that respects and protects the rights of individuals. This election season, you can create change. Build momentum, and tell our leaders that they can no longer be wined and dined by lobbyists. They serve the people, not special interests. Their position on TASC will identify any legislative and gubernatorial intentions. LW