Statement on our Budget Deficit

Our leaders on Capitol Hill cannot continue to evade responsibility for tough decisions on America’s budget deficit. We must find an appropriate combination of spending cuts and revenue enhancements, just as we did at Honolulu Hale during my time as Mayor. If elected to Congress, I will take with me the principles I learned and applied in balancing the budget of the 13^th largest municipality in the United States.

I have always believed that leadership begins at the top. As Mayor, I instituted five percent pay cuts for my Cabinet members in 2009 in recognition of the economic downturn. In this vein, I would call for immediate reductions in Congressmembers’ salaries and agree with the Simpson-Bowles Commission’s recommendation to reduce Congressional and White House budgets. These cuts can be incrementally restored as the economy improves.

Congress must also be able to distinguish between “nice to have” and “need to have” programs, cut down on wasteful spending, and streamline inefficient processes, just as we did at Honolulu Hale. As Mayor, I started the City’s Integrity Hotline so the public can report incidents of fraud and waste. I will take this same vigilant attitude with me to Capitol Hill as we identify ways to make the Federal government more efficient and effective.

Furthermore, I believe that we must approach revenue enhancements in a fair and thoughtful way. Before asking America’s working men and women to make further sacrifices, we must first ensure that the most wealthy individuals and largest corporations in our country are paying their fair share.  A variety of revenue enhancement proposals have been suggested — including raising tax rates, imposing fees for Federal services, and expanding the taxpayer base. The advantages and disadvantages of these options should be carefully considered as part of a deficit-reduction package.