Commissioner Susan Combs (Candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts) Talks to Houston Business Connections: Tells Publisher Aubrey R. Taylor why Harris County voters should choose her in the Nov. 7, 2006, General Election COMBS: "I've been a small business owner for 26 years, have worked on Wall Street in New York, and understand that business owners are having to do more with much less. We've followed that model at the Texas Department of Agriculture. My father, a lifelong rancher, had a phrase which I hope describes how I conduct the state's business; 'You have to be as tight as the bark on the tree.' If elected as Comptroller, I am going to pursue fiscal policies, which ensure taxpayers are getting full value for their money. I'll wisely manage the funds in that office because I know it is YOUR money it is never the government's. I'll pursue tax dodgers and root out tax fraud you shouldn't be paying the share of those who won't. We'll do the same kind of top-to-bottom review at that office as we did at TDA finding innovative ways to streamline government and reducing spending. I know that we can find ways for state agencies, not just the Comptroller's office, to be more efficient because all of the data to assist in that effort is available at the Comptroller's office. While at the Texas Department of Agriculture, I have also worked hard and effectively, to ensure that rural economic development is a priority. Due to our efforts, we created or retained over 6,000 jobs in small towns across the state, with an economic impact equivalent to 64,000 jobs in Houston or Dallas. As Comptroller, I will enhance the economic development efforts of that agency. I will work with the state's leadership on a broad-based initiative to provide real and solid economic data so that we can make Texas competitive in all sectors with other states and countries. Good information can be a powerful tool when a company either considers locating in Texas or wants to continue business here. Finally, I will also ensure that the highest ethical standards are maintained in that office, and also ensure that the legislative leaders are always given accurate numbers. Public policy based on bad numbers inevitably means bad public policy." | 
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