…I come to you tonight with a proposal unique in its application but based upon simple principles and the strong foundations that have stood the test of two centuries in American history.
One of those principles is the motto of our state: The People Rule. Another is that that government which governs least governs best. Still a third is that the further government is removed from the citizen, the more insensitive that government becomes…
…I have watched our government expand on both a federal and a state level. In fact, we have seen an unbelievable growth in size and scope. But the greatest danger is not necessarily in this expansion itself. After all, our people want more services. The danger is in a parallel shrinking of the people’s voice in making those decisions that affect their everyday lives. As a result of this expansion, a deep frustration has set in.
People feel that government has moved beyond their grasp. Together, they see an absence of accountability.
I want to help move that government back to the people. I want their voice restored in making the decisions that affect them. That’s what this country is all about. My proposal will increase the responsibility of the people. But it will also increase their authority.
In 1974 the people of Arkansas — through the adoption of Amendment 55 — said that they wanted a larger role in local government. The new Quorum Courts were thus created. Three months from now, 751 newly elected members of this governing body will assume their duties and begin their service to the people on a county level…
…They perceive their new responsibility with excitement and dedication. They are committed to the principle that people on the local level not only know their needs best, but are capable of making the tough decisions necessary to solve their problems.
To address those concerns, I propose that the Quorum Courts consider the financial needs of city and county governments and local schools. They can then submit to the voters on the county level their recommendations for new sources of revenue. Let me make this much very clear: I do not propose taxing authority for the new Quorum Courts. That power on the local level must be re served for the people. Under my plan, only the citizen can make the final decision as to the quality and quantity of local ser vices. I strongly believe that if the people have a role and a voice in making their decisions, they will not only do what is necessary–they will do what is right.
The time has come to restructure the relationship between state government and local government–and between local government and the community it serves. State government cannot continue to act as a giant school board, a city council, and a county govern ment. We can no longer say that we have all the answers to local problems. The needs in Perry County are different from the needs in Pulaski County. The problems of Magnolia are different from those in Calico Rock. In short, the people know their own problems at home better than we know them in Little Rock. That is why state government should become a partner, not a parent…
…Any partnership has a simple element if it is bound to succeed: that’s good faith. And to show that the State of Arkansas has good faith in this new relationship, I propose that for calendar year 1977, individual income tax payers be granted a 10% refund on taxes paid. For the 1978 calendar year I propose that the individual income tax rate be reduced by 25%.
I propose that we return this money to the people and allow them to keep their money at home. You and I have known for a long time what we call The Golden Rule of Government: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” It is time now for the people to make those rules. It’s time for them to decide what services they want and how to provide them…
…Simply stated, what I propose is first to allow the state to accept its responsibilities to a greater degree than ever before, and to let local citizens decide the level of services they want and are willing to pay for.
Second, I propose the mechanism for attacking our problems. The new Quorum Courts listen to the needs of the people, decide what the cost is, and ask the people if they want to pay for them.
Third, I offer the people some relief from sending tax dollars to Little Rock [the State Capitol], and provide them the opportunity for keeping them at home. In effect, it is shifting tax dollars otherwise sent to the Capitol and asking the citizens of the state to decide how they want to use them.
My proposal is based on the overriding belief that government exists for one reason and one reason only: to serve people. And I believe that local government is the best government. I believe that local people know best their local problems. I want to begin moving people and government within grasp of each other. This is not only because people are losing touch with government, but because government is losing touch with the people…