Efficient, Effective Government: Integrity, Civility Help House Conduct the People's Business

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Today, God willing, I will be elected the 54th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. I am humbled by the trust and responsibility being placed upon me. My gratitude for the opportunity to lead as Speaker is ex- ceeded only by my determination to serve the whole House and do what's best for Virginia.

For the past 16 years I have been privileged to serve the citizens of the 28th District in the House of Delegates, and to share in a wonderful and unique political tradition. An institution whose origins date to 1619, the House of Delegates is the people's house. Its effective operation is essential for representative democracy to thrive and for good government to flourish in Virginia. I consider it a privilege to lead such a venerable and valued institution.

I'm a student of history, and I have been struck most by how the fundamental character of the Speakership and House endures.

ADHERING to tradition, I intend to be a Speaker whose primary duties will be as a presiding officer, a representative of a constituency, and a constitutional officer obligated to do what can and should be done so that the House - and Virginia state government - functions efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all Virginians.

As Speaker, I will strive always to lead the historic chamber with the honor the institution deserves, and faithfully to uphold the dignity of my constitutional office.

I am keenly aware that what kind of legislators we are and how we treat one another are as important as the bills we pass and the laws we make. Serving all of our citizens with integrity and promoting a public discourse characterized by civility and mutual respect are among my very highest goals.

Meeting them will be easier if lawmakers bear in mind that our purpose is much larger than ourselves, and even the needs of our individual districts, though they be worthy goals. Our larger purpose is nothing less than the historic mission of Virginia and America: preserving and expanding human freedom. If we make enhancing the opportunity of our citizens to pursue their dreams and serve their community, state, and nation our compass, we will stay on a steady and productive course - even as we encounter rough seas and vexing issues during what undoubtedly will be a challenging 2003 General Assembly session.

UNDER THE Virginia Constitution, one of the House's foremost responsibilities is to be good stewards of the resources our taxpaying citizens provide for the work of their government. We face crucial decisions on a host of important issues this session, but our No. 1 challenge is balancing the budget. Successfully meeting it requires working constructively with the Governor and lawmakers of both parties, and in both legislative chambers, to cut spending so that state government lives within its means.

In the run-up to this session there has been scattered talk about the need for new revenue streams, or taxes. The Governor has said he is open to an increase on certain levies, but isn't committed to any particular proposal or amount. If the Governor believes tax increases are right for this Commonwealth, he should propose them - not leave the task of leadership to others.

For my part, I am opposed to increasing the tax burden on our citizens, especially during these tough economic times. I do not believe that states can tax their way out of market downturns or into economic prosperity. Rather, we must grow our way out of this budget shortfall and spend the people's resources more wisely. That means preserving and enhancing our Commonwealth's low-tax, pro-economic-growth climate, which is key to restoring the fiscal health of our state. That means providing renewed job security and expanding opportunities for Virginia citizens. That also means building more fiscal discipline into our laws. We can do that two ways - by constitutionally restraining the growth of government in times of plenty so we can avoid massive shortfalls when times get lean, and by systematically investing each year in the infrastructure necessary for our Commonwealth's long-term prosperity.

VIRGINIA benefitted throughout the 1990s from our foresight in not raising taxes in the past recession. I'm convinced that we will be far better off in the years to come if we again reject tax hikes and instead focus on allocating our resources to the core responsibilities of state government - especially education, job opportunities, and the health, safety, and security of our citizens.

In this legislative session, there is much we can do to enhance Virginia's performance in these areas.

We can preserve education funding with accountability - a formula that is producing measurable gains in student achievement - and begin to address the mounting school construction and renovation needs in our Commonwealth.

We can promote job-creating economic development and end the unfair death tax - a tax burden that will increase and drive businesses and jobs from Virginia if we fail to act.

And we can preserve law-enforcement funding, take actions to keep violent predators off the street, and make our families and neighborhoods safer. I believe we can do this and more.

I THINK OF myself as an optimist. It really does help you through a lot of things - no matter the difficulty or degree. That's why I see today's challenges exceeded by the enormous potential and opportunities of Virginia's future. Surmounting the doom-and-gloom from some quarters may be difficult, but I am convinced the challenge is well worth it.

As Speaker, I am ready to get down to business so the House can formulate, debate, and vote on legislation that addresses the problems the people of Virginia want solved.

By acting with integrity to build a stronger and more prosperous Virginia, we will inspire our fellow citizens and we will earn their trust and respect.

Working together, we will restore faith and confidence in the people's government and do what's best for Virginia.

William Howell is the incoming Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.