Saturday, May 12, 2007

Solutions for Change




Quality Democracy


My priority is to make Congress more accountable, transparent, and open by calling for an independent ethics committee for the Standards of Public Life. When elected I will propose a Federal Accountability Act that will establish a clear set of guidelines, standards and rules that will reform our present outdated democratic process. The purpose of this measure is to help strengthen accountability and increase transparency and oversight in government operations. This comprehensive action plan includes the Federal Accountability Act as well as supporting policy and other non-legislative measures. By utilizing the latest technology we could invite more citizens to be active participants in the decision making process, creating a governing process that is more transparent, open, and accountable---thus restoring the confidence of the people.

Affordable Health Care Coverage


The United States spends more on health care than any other country in the world, but many citizens have to go without medical treatment because of the rising costs. When elected I will work aggressively at finding innovate solutions to make health care more affordable with expanded coverage for prevention of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer. Possible solutions could include tax break incentives to doctors that provide medical services to those without health care coverage and by creating more flexible incentives for states to tailor their own programs such as the “Montgomery Cares” health care coalition.

Foreign Policy

The United States had always been respected for upholding the principles of democracy. Never before in this country’s history has our image abroad been at such a low point. I will work to improve America’s relations with our allies by forming an inter-parliamentary working group with Parliamentarians abroad, which would improve our dialogue and act as an early warning sign in conflict and exchange of best practices in good governance. I will also work at creating more public diplomacy programs such a initiating a public diplomacy corp.

Government Spending

I will strive to find innovative solutions that will save money and improve the quality of life for the people of Maryland, such as improving public transportation, affordable college education, and improved access to health services. Most importantly I support less government, meaning less red tape, and being wise stewards of your tax dollars. By cutting wasteful government spending, we can put your tax dollars back to work for you.

My Constituency District 8

Maryland Dist 8 covers most of Montgomery County with a population of 662,000 and an annual average household income of around $74,000. Montgomery County is also home to National Institutes of Health and Bethesda Navel Medical Centre. The county also has one of the highest percentages of PhD in the country.

Web-sites of interest to Maryland Dist 8

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

http://www.cvbmontco.com/

http://www.mdhs.org/

http://www.bethesda.org/

Resources on the U.S. Congress.

www.house.gov

http://www.cspan.org/

www.opensecrets.org

Open Secrets is a web-site administered my the center for responsive politics that allows browser access information about their representatives, candidates, campaign contributions and individual donors.

http://www.congress.org/

Information on members and how they voted.


U.K Resources on Westminster


Charity web-site to engage the citizens on currents debates taking place in Parliament
Web-site is very user friendly, much like I would like to see developed for U.S.Congress.


Another campaign blog were I will be posting some of my progressive ideas for reform

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great Ideas on creating a better democratic process in America. Looking forward to the others

June 12, 2007 at 6:03 AM

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Welcome Message

Marks For Maryland
U.S. Congress




Solutions for Change

Many of you have become disillusioned with our political system today. Election after election, politics has become more negative with partison gridlock.
This is one of the reasons I decided to run for Congress. My hope is to restore your confidence, trust and accountibilty back in Americas democratic institutions.
In order for Congress to remain legitimate it must constantly strive to create a system that is more fair and inclusive of all the people. Only when there is true equality in the democratic process can America achieve a higher quality of democratic governance.

I am committed to making our governing process more fair and democratic for all citizens. We need a government that is more responsive to the needs of the people by making government work more efficiently. Congress should be finding ways to reach out to more Americans, engaging them in the democratic process. I believe this is precisely the type of debate that needs to take place in Washington today. The problem is, most of our public officials seem content with things staying the same, I see this as one of the main problems in Congress today. That is why my message is different; it is based on finding solutions that will enhance the democratic process.
One way I will do this is by utilizing the latest web technology. The social web could help in revitalizing the democratic process by:
* Giving more citizens a voice, extending freedom of speech and allowing a wider range of issues to be raised for public debate.
* Creating forums in which people can come together to deliberate and debate public issues.
* Amplifying the people's voices by making it easier to mobilise campaigns.
* Creating new ways for people to collaborate, to address problems directly with their representative, in influnencing government or international institutions.
This could particularly benefit those kept at the margins of formal political debate or who feel disconnected from it. The social web would also draw more young people into political debate. Most importantly making Congress more transparent and accountable to the public.

Over the years Congress has been losing its moral compass to lead and govern democratically. According to a recent Gallup poll the public satisfaction rate of Congress is now at 29%, the lowest figure since 1979. This figure is even less than what it was last year at 30% to 35%. This certainly reflects the public's overall negative view towards Congress as a national institution. America needs a Congress that will uphold the principles of Democracy and work proactively in solving challenges that American peaple face. If Congress is to be serious about restoring trust in our democracy, there must be an open forum of dialogue for citizens and politicians to genuinely debate problems and solutions together. When citizens feel they are informed and their voice is being heard, they will have more confidence in Congress governing. The American people deserve a more modern democratic institution that is based on transparency, accountability and openness to the public. As your Representative my aim will always be to produce the highest quality of democracy for all Americans. By improving communication between Congress and the peaple.

During the weeks and months ahead I will be listening and working with you in finding positive solutions to the many challenges ahead of us. Some of these challenges I see are affordable health care, improved public transportation, building safe and secure communities and building trust in our democracy. In order for me to gain a better understanding of the challenges ahead, I will be spending time on the front lines at N.I.H. and Bethesda Navel with doctors, staff, and patients hearing the problems they face. I will also be spending time with the community groups and residents to have their input on ways we can improve the quality of life for all Marylanders.
To those that feel the political system doesn't listen and doesn't care or to those that feel powerless and have lost faith: I will always strive to put your concerns and aspirations at the heart of what I do. We need America to be governed by the "can do spirit" that made this country what it is. Duty to others, compassion, importance of community, and belief in the American spirit are the values that guide me. This is who I am; I will always strive to do my best for the people of Maryland. It is my hope to earn your trust and confidence to be your representative in Washington.
Kind Regards!

Meyer Marks
Maryland Congressional District #8
marylandersformarks.mc@gmail.com