When we are serving the people of Maine and spending taxpayer money, we have a responsibility to be accountable and to evaluate our outcomes. If a program (however well- intentioned) is not working, it needs to be quickly changed or ended. On the other hand, there are programs that make a significant difference in the lives of Mainers as well as have long term financial benefits that should be expanded. Current efforts in Juvenile Justice reform and drug courts are two such examples of smarter government. I will champion efforts that make a real difference in the lives of Mainers and seek to end wasteful inefficient uses of taxpayer money.