In the weekly Republican message, chair of the Delaware Young Republicans Mike Smith chided Governor Jack Markell for what he says is a failure in leadership in ongoing state budget negotiations.Smith cited Markell’s budget director Ann Visalli, who said she will be in “listening mode” over how to address an announcement from the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council this week that the state will have $45 million less to work with in the upcoming fiscal year than originally projected.
Smith says listening is not good enough.
"Leadership isn’t about being in listening mode," he said. "When a potential financial crisis is looming, leadership is about action and leading with ideas, not just punting to other lawmakers and parroting the same tired and failed policies we’ve heard in the past."
Smith said the state GOP will continue to advocate for financial responsibility and personal freedom, though he did not outline any specific proposals.
http://youtu.be/DappFSNiI_o
Full text of Mike Smith's GOP Message
Hi, I’m Mike Smith Chair of the Delaware Young Republicans. This week, the Economic and Financial Advisory Council decreased its two-year tax collection projections by over $45 million. This has led to something of a financial minefield as our state prepares for the coming fiscal year, starting July 1st.
But while Delaware’s lawmakers are attempting to navigate that minefield, there’s been a noticeable lack of leadership from the Governor’s office. Earlier, Governor Markell had proposed cutting the senior property tax credit, and Republicans stood strong against it. Seniors shouldn’t be a piggy bank that State Government raids whenever it needs to make up revenue. Markell’s budget director has indicated to State Lawmakers that she’ll be in “listening mode” as the discussion about how to raise the needed revenue goes on.
Leadership isn’t about being in “listening mode” when a potential financial crisis is looming. Leadership is about action, and leading with ideas—not just punting to other lawmakers or parroting the same tired and failed policies we’ve heard in the past. The “everything’s-on-the-table” nature of this discussion is healthy, and will hopefully produce the creative ideas that will be needed if we’re going to come up with the necessary revenue. But the Governor needs to be sitting at that table, taking part in that discussion. And so far, he has been happy to avoid it.
2016 is just around the corner, and with an open governorship and, most likely, an open Congressional seat, Delaware Republicans have real opportunities to demonstrate what leadership actually looks like. It’s time to elect strong leaders, who will actively engage in these important discussions, rather than punting on the issue, or suggesting solutions that punish seniors’ wallets. It’s time for leaders who don’t just go into “listening mode” when strong, decisive action and creative ideas are needed.
In 2016, Delaware Republicans will come together to champion sound government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom and empowerment. That’s what strong leadership looks like.
