With great respect for Alexis de Tocqueville, let us consider democracy in America; not the book — but the phenomenon. The creation of our democratic republic was something bold and new in the world. For the first time in human history, government was to be strictly limited in its powers and the people were to [...]
Looking back at FY2008 one can plainly see that what our politicians call “the budget” was $26.8 BILLION, total CAFR spending was $50.8 BILLION — $24 BILLION more than what the annual General Appropriations Act covers. What does FY2009 have for its total?
The Auditor’s race matters; there is a candidate for Auditor with a clearly-articulated vision for TOTAL transparency and accountability, and the independence the people of our state so desperately need to help them know all that goes on in state government: Kamal Jain. The people need someone inside government who is on their side. Together we can leave no stone unturned, no agency or department unexamined.
While many people have strong beliefs about how much money is being spent on particular government programs, some believing the amount spent being too high and others believing it to be too low, the truth is that it is impossible to have an honest discussion about such things without a true understanding not only of [...]
Why run for Massachusetts State Auditor without a background in accounting? Because the role of State Auditor is not that of an actual auditor. The state directly and indirectly employs many people who have those credentials, and also pays outside audit firms such as KPMG millions of dollars per year to assist with audit and [...]
Transparency is essential to making government responsive, efficient and honest. Without transparency, we cannot begin to understand the true size and scope of government, or assess its true costs. Without transparency, we cannot see where government services are inadequately serving the needs of the people, or where there is waste and graft. Without transparency, we [...]
