The concept behind “Open Source Public Policy” is simple:
-
We identify areas where there is a problem or a need for improvement in public policy.
-
We comment and collaborate on solutions.
-
We create policy recommendations.
-
We deliver the recommendations to the appropriate city, state and federal representatives.
Let’s start with step 1. Reply or comment today!
Ever since Congressmen Cannon said earmarks weren’t much of a problem last Saturday, I’ve been thinking about the issue. His claim is he’d rather have congressmen make the decisions on who gets the money than an executive branch administrator. That seems reasonable.
However, it’s also clear that earmarks are a huge temptation, not only to feed your own campaign coffers, but to waste taxpayer money on projects that may bring money to the state, but are bad for our nation.
One no-brainer solution is for our representatives to publicly disclose all their requests for earmarks, not just the ones that get funded. Currently Cannon, Bennett, and Hatch refuse to disclose this information. I don’t think their reasons are sufficient to override our right to know how they wish to spend our money.
I believe this disclosure policy would increase transparency and help decrease waste.
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_8745678