Delegate Chris Saxman: "Innovator in Action"

Delegate Saxman is an Innovator in Action

For his work to reform the way Virginia government operates and delivers services, Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) joins an exclusive list of policymakers from across the nation who have been invited by the Reason Foundation to participate in their upcoming report, Innovators in Action.

The Reason Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to advance a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. Its monthly magazine, Reason, covers politics, culture, and ideas through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews.

Reason has invited ten "innovators" in government, including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (New York), Mayor Richard Daley (Chicago), and Mayor Cory Book (Newark).

Along with Delegate Saxman, former Governor Jeb Bush and Mayor Daley have already agreed to submit an essay for the report. Participants will detail their stories and experiences in local, state and federal governments in bringing competition to public services.

Geoffrey Segal, Reason's Director of Government Reform, has called Delegate Saxman a leader in reform in Virginia.

"I am certain the policymakers who depend on our publications for inspiration and impetus would value Delegate Saxman's perspective in both managing the Cost Cutting Caucus and his efforts on school choice reform," commented Segal. "Given his leadership in advancing competition and innovation in government, this report would not be complete without his participation."

Delegate Leo Wardrup (R-Virginia Beach), chairman of House Committee on Transportation, went on to say, "I often tell Chris that his ideas are ahead of their time - he contributes a great deal to our reforms in government."

Delegate Saxman was thrilled to receive the invitation and to be considered for the report among many respected national leaders in innovation and reform.

"It is satisfying to receive such appreciation for the many 'outside the box' thinking we have implemented through the Cost Cutting Caucus, and I am honored to be considered an 'Innovator in Action' for this Reason report," expressed Saxman. "I have always held disdain for the saying - 'but we've always done it this way' - and I plan to chronicle my experiences fighting against the currents of that notion. We have accomplished a number of significant reforms here in Virginia over the past few years, but I know we have a long way to go, and I look forward to gaining more insightful reform ideas for Virginia from the other national leaders contributing to this report."

The Innovators in Action report has been targeted for a summer 2007 release date. Further information about the Reason Foundation can be found at their website.