We're running on empty; people no longer trust government
Q: Our federal government still owns 500 million shares of GM stocks, guarantees trillions dollars of mortgages. How would your administration reverse these obligations?
HUNTSMAN: I would clean up the balance sheet. We certainly have failed
leadership. President Obama had two years to get this economy going and to move us toward an environment that speaks to job growth, and he's failed miserably. But along with that, we have a real trust crisis in this country. Between the
American people and our institutions of power, Congress, the executive branch, Wall Street as well, there is no trust. We are running on empty. And when a democracy begins to run on empty because of government holdings and bailouts and being involved
in ways that are absolutely inappropriate, based on constitutional and where we should be, that results in a diminution of trust by the American people. We've got to raise that trust.
Two-year cooling-off period before State employees can lobby
We all want a State equal to its promise. A State with more dreams than memories--one that is responsive, open and accessible. Tonight, as part of this administration's commitment to enhancing ethics in government, through an Executive
Order, I will enact a cooling-off period of two years before State employees can lobby their previous place of work. In the interest of a transparent government, we will prohibit nepotism in hiring or contracting for all Executive Branch departments.
Also, from this point on, I am asking for a complete ban on gifts to any Executive Branch employee. Ethics and integrity should be a requirement within all branches of government.
Tonight, I reinforce my pledge to build an Executive Branch that holds itself to a higher standard.
