Brian Moran believes that government must be open and accountable to all Virginians. Under the leadership of Governor Warner, Governor Kaine, and leaders like Brian, we have rebuilt state government and made Virginia the best-managed state in the nation. But with that distinction comes the challenge to continue reforming state government and to make sure it works for everyone. Unfortunately, several structural roadblocks prevent a more transparent, democratic process that would allow every voter’s voice to be heard.
To help address these concerns, Brian Moran will audit state government, reform our redistricting process, and establish a second term for Virginia’s governors.
• Cutting Inefficiency Brian understands that while Governor Warner and Governor Kaine both cut unnecessary inefficiency and waste, there is always more that can be done. Brian knows that the best government is smart and provides efficient services to Virginia’s families. That’s why, as governor, Brian will order a top-to-bottom audit of state government to eliminate programs that don’t work and invest in those that do.
• Fighting for Redistricting Reform Partisan redistricting and gerrymandering ensure districts designed to protect incumbency and maintain the status quo. Brian believes partisan redistricting turns democracy upside down by allowing legislators to choose their voters, instead of voters choosing their legislators. Brian has consistently put forward legislation to reform our redistricting process and has pledged that if the General Assembly fails to pass reform legislation, he will appoint a commission on his own. In fact, as governor, Brian has pledged that he will not sign a partisan redistricting plan.
• Creating a Two Term Governor Brian firmly believes that the best government is one in which the people’s voices are heard. That is why one of the reforms Brian feels most strongly about is one that would allow Virginians to reelect their governor to a second term. Unfortunately, Virginia is the only state in the nation whose governors are barred from seeking a second consecutive term in office. Brian does not believe that the people of Virginia should be deprived of the ability to rehire their governor. Brian worked with Governor Warner to champion an initiative that allows a second term for Virginia governors, but they were blocked by the Republicans in the House of Delegates. As governor, Brian is committed to passing a constitutional amendment allowing Virginia governors to seek a second term for his successor by the end of his administration.
Brian’s message on government accountability is so compelling that the Washington Post published an editorial in 2007 supporting Brian’s efforts to stop partisan redistricting: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110902171.html.
Government Reform & Accountability
