Accountability

I have been talking to people in their homes and in their neighbourhoods over the past couple of weeks and I have found that a lot of people have the same concerns for the Fall election. People are disappointed in the politicians involved in the recent scandals, and they are concerned about how their money is being handled.

That's why I agree with the Government's recent moves toward accountability. MHAs should be held to the highest standards when it comes to how their district's money is managed, and I think that keeping the books open, and the money strictly budgeted is the only way for MHAs to ensure that they have a clear idea how the money is being spent.

MHAs are directly responsible to their constituents, and as taxpayers we have the right to know how district allowances and other funds are being spent. We have the right to hold our MHAs accountable for every cent.

I have the highest standards for myself in my political life, my business life and my personal life, and I have proven myself to be very trustworthy, open and honest. I will maintain those same values when working on behalf of the District of Mount Pearl North, and work with the other MHAs to ensure that those values permeate the Provincial Government as a whole.

My years on City Council have given me a good perspective on the priorities of the average taxpayer, and on the priorities of municipal government. I will take that perspective with me to the House of Assembly, and use it to keep the trust I have earned.