David LaGrand Calls for Government Reform Plan of Accountability, Cuts and Transparency
Posted on October 14, 2010
GRAND RAPIDS – State Senate candidate David LaGrand today introduced the A.C.T. Plan to reform state government with a formula of Accountability, Cuts and Transparency to change the way government is run and restore responsibility in Lansing. LaGrand is running for state Senate District 29, which includes parts of Grand Rapids and Kentwood.
“I’m calling for reforms that are long overdue in Lansing to shake up the way Michigan politicians operate, starting with salary cuts and more transparency and accountability with how taxpayer dollars are being spent,” said David LaGrand. “I have to make tough decisions every day as a business owner, and have already embraced some of these reforms as a candidate. I believe politicians should share in the sacrifices and have to answer to Michigan businesses and families.”
The A.C.T. Plan would:
- Cut legislators’ pay by 10 percent and slash their lavish perks and benefits, including eliminating taxpayer-funded lifetime health care for legislators and undocumented expense accounts.
- Audit all state contracts top to bottom to eliminate wasteful spending.
- Post all state government spending and budgets online.
- Close the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists by instituting a four-year ban on former lawmakers being employed as lobbyists.Require all candidates for state office to disclose their income and assets.
- Mandate that government staff not also be employed in the for-profit sector, where they can profit from their political influence.
- Dock legislators’ pay for unexcused absences and for not balancing the budget on time.
“As a business owner in Michigan, times have been tough, and I don’t think Lansing politicians should be immune to tightening their belts,” said Dick Ortega, owner of Alternative Mechanical. “David LaGrand isn’t just talking the talk. As a small business owner, David knows what businesses are going through, and is leading by example to take reform to the state Senate.”
David LaGrand is the only candidate in the 29th District Senate race to promise to never become a lobbyist. He has also disclosed his personal finances. LaGrand has also had his campaign staff sign a pledge that they will not be employed in the for-profit sector to avoid any conflicts of interest or abuse of political power.
LaGrand, his wife and four children live in Grand Rapids. As a young entrepreneur, LaGrand went to Calvin College in 1984, paying his way through school by starting his first business, Steps to Last construction company. He now owns a private law firm and started local businesses that helped revitalize local Grand Rapids neighborhoods: Four Friends Coffeeshop in downtown Grand Rapids and the Wealthy Street Bakery in the Heritage Hills neighborhood.
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