Alex Paul
There are more than 192 definitions of the term “rural development” in federal government speak, Rep. Jeff Kropf told Sweet Home business persons Thursday morning at the monthly SHEDG breakfast.
Kropf said the U.S. Department of Agriculture alone has 91 definitions for the term.
But, he emphasized, it’s past time for government to quit ignoring the changing landscape of rural America, much of its woes caused by government regulations, and to focus on ways to breath new life and hope in small towns.
“We’re asking for the President to establish a cabinet-level advisory position on rural development,” Rep. Kropf said. “Jobs are what’s needed in rural America and rural Oregon. It’s local programs that will make things happen.”
Rep. Kropf said he will participate in March in a regional rural summit that will include representatives from Oregon, Washington and Idaho at the Oregon Gardens.
He said investments in rural America must include support of wind farming, small hydro generation plants and the development of biomass for fuels.
“We must invest in the technology to reinvigorate rural America,” he said.
Funding for such projects could come from government waste. Kropf said he believes the State of Oregon needs an independent auditing branch much like the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget.
“Even while we were cutting programs for folks in towns like Sweet Home, our state budget included $23 for new vehicles, $18 million for new furniture and $4 million for tire chains,” Rep. Kropf said. “In tight times, I did not need a new computer in Salem, and yet, we received new computers. My computer worked just fine.”
Rep. Kropf supports a new budget coalition that will bring together voices from many statewide organizations to “seek a new level of proficiency and efficiency” for government.
Such efficiency would start with a budget process that would be readable and understandable by all.
“I’m not sure anyone knows the total budget,” Rep. Kropf said. “Oregon has the worst economy in the nation and I got a new computer system that I didn’t want. At the same time, we cut services to people.”
Rep. Kropf believes efficiencies in government begin at the ground level, not from the top down.
“We need to talk and listen to the folks on the ground, those doing the jobs,” Rep. Kropf said. “They know how they can do their jobs better or where money can be saved.”
One consultant working with the State of South Dakota, has identified 15-20% in savings that could be implemented.
“What if we could find just 5% of our $34 billion two -year budget?” Rep. Kropf said. “Do you know what could be done with that savings?”
Oregon government continues to grow at a pace that outstrips personal income and the overall economy, Rep. Kropf said, and will continue to do so until the people balk.