The idea of a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has recently gained attention, with voices like Elon Musk’s and Vivek Ramaswamy’s calling for its creation with the incoming presidential administration. This initiative aims to streamline government operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and hold public employees accountable.
It seems like a common-sense solution that has taken too long to gain traction. Let us hold employees accountable for actually coming to work and doing their jobs. Let’s look for inefficient programs and departments and either make them efficient or do away with them, returning the duties to the states to oversee. Novel concepts … NOT!
Now Alabama has awakened, saying that we need our own DOGE to be fiscally sound and cut waste. Where was this concept for the past 40 – 50 years?
I think it’s been there with the people but has fallen on deaf ears with our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels. It’s not a party thing either; this “we know what is best for you,” throw-money-at-it mentality falls across party lines.
But my skepticism of anything new involving the government always comes to the forefront.
Do I think DOGE will work? To some extent it will have an impact, but in the long run, other than shaking a few people up and maybe downsizing a few departments, I don’t anticipate much. I don’t think we will see real change until we get serious as voters, get the attention of our elected officials, and remind them they are OUR voice, not our taskmasters.
Two men and a title won’t do it. They may be the catalyst to get it going, but we must work to elect those willing to put America first, not their own personal gain. Sadly, I believe there are many in office who will fight tooth and nail to retain their ability to bring home the pork. Lobbyists will go into high gear and the money will flow at a rate never seen before. It will be a proverbial free-for-all.
Thus, it’s more important than ever that we start vetting our candidates as the 2025 municipal elections approach, selecting those who prioritize the people they represent over their personal gain. We have the power to demand a government that is accountable, efficient, and truly dedicated to the welfare of its citizens.
Elections are staggered in Alabama municipalities, but 2025 holds elections for Tuscaloosa on March 4, Dothan on August 5 and Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery on August 26.
Once we demand accountability at the local level, we can focus on the 2026 mid-term primaries and elections. All state representatives and office holders will be up for election, along with a few federal representatives.
Now is an opportune time to start attending the executive committee meetings at your local county parties to learn what their part is in the selection of candidates. You will find many open positions for membership, and membership will give you the opportunity to vote on candidates and local party issues.
Now that we have achieved a trifecta at the federal level, we must ensure we maintain the same base at the local and state levels. Time for the party to come together and “ROAR” (Run Off All RINOs), and truly become the party of conservatives. Time for American exceptionalism to be the norm. Time for DOGE to be not just a new idea within the party, but a way of life for those spending tax dollars.
Charles “Kip” Kiplinger, Vice President, North Central Alabama Republican Assembly.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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