Accountability
Real consequences for waste fraud and corruption no more slaps on the wrist
I am tired of seeing our tax dollars wasted or stolen with little real fallout. As governor I will make sure bad actors face consequences. No more excuses. No more quiet settlements. We catch problems through audits transparency and citizen task forces then we act on them hard and in the open. The Attorney General already handles investigations and prosecutions in Idaho. But too often agencies slow walk cooperation or cases drag on without public updates. My plan changes that. We partner closely direct full cooperation and keep you informed every step.
What I Will Do Day One as Governor
Partner with the Attorney General by issuing an executive order directing every state agency to give full cooperation in any investigation of waste fraud abuse or corruption. No stonewalling. No red tape delays.
Hold monthly town hall meetings statewide in person and virtually to give honest straightforward updates on progress roadblocks investigations and fixes. Bring in task force volunteers, AG reps or auditors when needed so you hear it straight.
Use findings from Citizens Task Forces audits and Transparent Idaho tips to flag serious issues for AG review fast.
These steps use existing authority and tools. We make accountability happen now not after scandals blow up.
What I Will Push the Legislature For
Stronger laws with tougher penalties for corruption, waste and fraud in state government including mandatory reporting whistleblower protections and faster prosecution timelines.
More resources for the Attorney General office to handle cases efficiently like extra investigators or prosecutors focused on public corruption.
Rules requiring public updates on ongoing investigations when they involve taxpayer money so nothing stays hidden.
How This Differs from What's Happening Today
Today's accountability in Idaho is reactive and inconsistent.
Current setup: The Attorney General investigates and prosecutes fraud, corruption and waste (for example through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit or general cases). Agencies cooperate when required but there is no routine governor directive for full immediate support. Town halls or public updates happen occasionally, not monthly or structured. Prosecutions occur but resources can be limited, cases sometimes settle quietly and public awareness is low unless media picks it up. Recent examples show fraud in programs gets caught but consequences vary and fixes are not always tracked publicly.
My approach: Proactive and public from day one. The governor directs full agency cooperation in investigations so nothing gets buried. Monthly town halls keep everyone updated honestly with progress roadblocks and next steps. Findings from task forces audits and tips feed directly into AG actions. We push for stronger laws and resources through legislation. This creates real consequences with citizen involvement and constant sunlight instead of waiting for scandals to force action.
In short: Today's system waits for problems to surface then handles them quietly. My plan shines a light monthly, enforces cooperation and demands real penalties so waste stops because people know they will be held accountable.
How We Will Verify and Enforce Accountability
All town hall updates, progress reports, investigation, summaries and key findings will be posted on the official Governor's website for permanent public access. Recordings, summaries and highlights stay archived there so anyone can review them anytime. Relevant financial or investigative data will link to Transparent Idaho where appropriate.
Citizens Task Forces track progress on their recommendations and call out if agencies drag feet.
Anonymous tips feed investigations directly. Serious cases get public attention through town halls.
Grok can help summarize investigation updates or flag patterns in public reports for town hall prep.
Answers to Common Questions
Why partner with the AG instead of creating new offices?
The AG already has the tools and authority for prosecutions. We strengthen that partnership with governor direction and more resources not add bureaucracy.
How will monthly town halls work?
Mix of in person around the state and virtual. Short honest updates and answers to the questions from the public. We talk about progress roadblocks and what is next. All archived on the official Governor's website.
What if investigations hit roadblocks?
We make them public in town halls. Pressure from citizen task forces and media helps push through. Legislation gives stronger tools.
Cost to taxpayers?
Minimal. Town halls use existing venues or online. AG resources come from pushing legislation. Savings from reduced waste and fraud cover it.
How does this tie into the other promises?
Citizens Task Forces and audits uncover issues. Transparency makes data public. Accountability enforces consequences with AG partnership and public updates on the official Governor's website. This is the final piece. We find the problems, fix them and make sure no one gets away with wasting our money. Real accountability means real change.