|
Interview with Pat Herrity
By Amanda Kathryn Hydro
On January 28, 2008, Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) introduced a transparency initiative to the Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors. Elected in November 2007 to represent the Springfield Magisterial District, Herrity recently discussed bringing "Google Government" and accountability to local government with Reason Foundation's Director of Policy Development Amanda Hydro.
Reason Foundation: What made you decide that the Fairfax County government needed to be more transparent?
Herrity: My philosophy is that every government body should always be looking for ways to make themselves more transparent. The fact that this was passed by Congress in such a bi-partisan fashion was an important first step that all state and local governments should try to emulate. Additionally, residential real estate taxes have doubled in the last 5 to 7 years largely due to increased spending. Studies have shown that the budget has grown $1 billion (out of $6B) greater than population and inflation growth. The current budget is large and difficult to understand.
Reason: What process did you go through in researching similar efforts?
Herrity: We researched other efforts underway around the country and reached out to Reason Foundation and other public policy bodies that are knowledgeable in the area for guidance. I am an elected official in Fairfax County and am leading the effort in Fairfax County. I also discussed the effort with those leading the effort at the state level in Virginia. We are working very closely with Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-Fairfax) (who is introducing transparency legislation at the state level in Virginia) and have discussed the state effort with Senator Chap Peterson (D-Fairfax).
Reason: What do you think is the most important aspect of instituting reform in government via transparency initiatives?
Herrity: Both of these (county and state) measures will give the citizens a better way to examine the budget so that they can hold us accountable on spending. Both Virginia and Fairfax County are facing budget shortfalls this year and are anticipating tight times in the coming years. This effort will involve citizens in our efforts to prioritize and control our spending. The most important aspect is that it is easy to use and understandable to the average citizen.
Reason: Please tell me about the process this motion will now go through.
Herrity: This is striking new ground in Fairfax County. Currently there is no simple way for our citizens to analyze where and how their tax dollars are being spent by Fairfax County. My motion instructs our County Executive to report to the Board on how Fairfax County could implement such a financial database and the cost of its implementation, including the availability of public and private resources to offset the cost, with a goal of having an online database implemented in FY 2009 which begins on July 1, 2008.
Reason: How will you market this initiative and what do you expect the public's reaction to be?
Herrity: We send a monthly newsletter to our constituents and we plan to prominently feature this proposal in this month's edition. We will also work with the appropriate media outlets. I expect this proposal will have overwhelming support from the public because more transparency is always in the best interest of our citizens. The reaction to the state effort has been bi-partisan and it was well received. I expect the same response in Fairfax County.
Reason: What advice would you offer to people in other counties in VA and even in other states who are looking to pursue similar government transparency initiatives?
Herrity: I would encourage the efforts as good government; it is a project that can be implemented with little expense.
Herrity's motion was unanimously passed and additional details are slated to be worked out at the previously scheduled March 8th budget workshop. To view the Board of Supervisors Meeting in its entirety click here: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/vod.htm. It seems that this idea has already contagious; a similar initiative will be introduced in Prince William County at their next meeting.
Amanda Kathryn Hydro is director of policy development at Reason Foundation. Reason's "oath of presidential transparency," signed by Sen. Barack Obama and Rep. Ron Paul, among others, is online here.
Innovators in Action 2008
» Full Report
» Press Release
Annual Privatization Report 2008
» Full Report
» Press Release
CSI for Real: How to Improve Forensic Science
» Full Text (.pdf)
Measure 50: Are Tobacco Taxes The Answer To Funding Children's Health Programs?
» Full Text (.pdf)
Streamlining San Diego: Achieving Taxpayer Savings and Government Reforms Through Managed Competition
» Full Text (.pdf)
» Press Release
Occupational Licensing: Ranking the States and Exploring Alternatives
» Full Study (.pdf)
» Policy Summary (.pdf)
» State-by-State Occupational Licensing List (.xls)
» Press Release with Complete Rankings
More Studies
Innovators in Government Offer Cutting-Edge Models for Reform
» Full Text
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Were Never Privatized
» Full Text
Will Automakers Get the Next Bailout?
» Full Text
Politicizing Privatization Isn't In Taxpayers' Best Interests
» Full Text
Closing Virginia's Budget Shortfall
» Full Text
Looking at the Year's Privatization Trends
» Full Text
Hey Ohio, Suing Companies Isn't Good for the State's Economy
» Full Text
More Commentaries
|
3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd.