Government Reform

It is prudent to regularly review the role of government and the manner in which public services are provided. As of the last census, Riverside County was the fourth-most populous county in California and the 10th-most populous in the United States. Riverside County remains one of the fastest growing regions in the state, served by a multitude of cities and agencies providing vital services to our residents. While the quality of public services provided by these government agencies is often very good, multiple management layers and overlapping service areas dictate a need for greater efficiency and accountability. At the State level, long-term, stable funding for government services is critical. The lack of stable funding has resulted in many local governments passing numerous (and often burdensome) special fees and taxes and raising revenue by directly competing with the private sector to provide certain services. The GCVCC urges the Governor, the State Legislature, municipalities and special districts to work for the adoption of stable, long-term, and reliable financing formulas for local governments that will in turn promote land use approvals that are not solely based upon revenue generation. These policies will result in a stronger economy for both Riverside County and the State. Californians should be able to rely on long-term, stable, reliable, and equitable funding for essential public services.

Positions

G-1: Supports State and local government finance reform that provides a long-term, stable financing mechanism for essential public services and infrastructure during both lean- and high-growth economic times.

G-2: Supports accountability to the voters and other taxpayers that includes a form of funding for public services that is understandable to the voting public.

G-3: Supports services provided at the level of government closest to the people and with funds most closely related to the services, including greater reliance upon property taxes by local governments to provide property- related community services.

G-4: Supports the elimination of unfunded State mandates.

G-5: Supports equitable redistribution of sales and property taxes to protect cities’ and counties’ long-term infrastructure, public safety, and human resources investments.

G-6: Supports contracting governmental services out to the private sector through the competitive bidding process when appropriate.

G-7: Supports effective research/market-based pension reforms.

G-8: Opposes wasteful government spending.

G-9: Opposes State raids on local government funding.

G-11: Opposes regional governmental bodies reaching beyond their scope or jurisdiction to create or influence policy.

G-12: Support tribal sovereignty and the right of independence free of State or Federal intrusions.