No one I know likes to pay taxes. Even though we know taxes are used to pay for amenities that we all enjoy, like safety, economic balance, infrastructure, and jobs, there is always justifiable reason to criticize government spending; thus, our reluctance.

There is a lot of rhetoric today, blaming our tax woes on billionaires and corporations that don’t pay their fair share. This is a problem, and it needs to be addressed. But I suspect this rhetoric is more bluster than substance. It’s more an attempt by politicians to find someone to blame, to get voters angry at someone who is not them.

No one is obligated to pay more taxes than the tax code requires. This is true for you, and me, and billionaires, and companies. So, it’s incumbent upon each of us to navigate the tax code to our benefit, not the benefit of the government.

Personally, I’m happy to pay my fair share of taxes, and I’m happy to manage my financial affairs to avoid overpaying, and I don’t begrudge anyone who does the same. Congress can change the tax code, which it does on a regular basis (just ask your tax accountant). For me the issue isn’t taxes, it’s taxation without representation, it’s eliminating the spending programs that benefit a few at the expense of many. It’s pursuing policies that injure citizens and benefit large financial interests in whose pockets the politicians have their hands.

I know everyone sees this problem from a different point of view. Things I might think are harmful, others may see as beneficial. And this is where the wisdom of the 4th District becomes so important. I believe, as citizens in Utah’s 4th Congressional District, we have the collective wisdom to identify issues and solutions that serve the public good. And that’s what I’ll take to Washington. By interacting with, discussing, and listening to you, we’ll craft common-sense solutions to both sides of the coin: taxes and spending.