That direction is local. If we want to restore traditional conservative values and reclaim a government that truly serves the people, we must shift our focus from Capitol Hill to city hall. The revolution starts at home.
Let’s be honest—Washington is broken beyond repair
Anyone who has interacted with a federal agency knows the frustration—layers of bureaucracy, unresponsive departments, and painfully slow processes. DOGE has done the invaluable work of uncovering waste and fraud, but translating those discoveries into reform is a slow, often fruitless process.
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And that fallout is already here. Inflation, staggering debt, and economic instability are just the beginning. Washington isn’t just broken—it’s become a liability.
State governments aren’t much better
It would be comforting to think our state leaders might offer a better alternative. Sadly, many have simply adopted Washington’s worst habits. Bureaucracy, bloat, and a shocking lack of accountability are just as common in state capitals as they are in D.C.
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But that immediate pain also forces faster voter response. That creates a rare opportunity for reform—but if only we’re willing to seize it.
Local government is where we make our stand
While federal and state governments are bloated and sluggish, local government is where accountability still has a fighting chance. That’s where Citizens Alliance has directed its energy—toward empowering everyday Americans to engage with their city councils, school boards, and county commissions.
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Real change happens when local citizens speak up, organize, and demand better. We’ve seen it happen across the country.
Change doesn’t flow from the top down
The belief that national reform must come from Washington is a myth. Many of the most significant policy movements of the last few decades, including school choice, tax reform, balanced budgets, began at the local or state level. Local victories create templates for national change.
When a small town proves that transparency, balanced budgets, or conservative values work, it creates momentum. That momentum can spread across counties, into state legislatures, and eventually into Congress. That’s why we must build from the ground up.
Grassroots action is how we win
Political consultants love slick ads, social media campaigns, and empty slogans. But those tools don’t drive real engagement or results. What does? Direct, personal contact.
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We knocked on more than eight million doors last year, helped register voters, and played a role in 418 victories. This wasn’t done with gimmicks. It was done with grit.
Accountability starts with you
The most rewarding part of our work is seeing people realize their own power. When someone connects their rising taxes to a bloated city budget or sees how local mismanagement affects their child’s school, that’s a lightbulb moment.
We’re not just asking people to vote. We’re helping them understand, engage, and lead. We urge citizens to challenge city budgets, run for school board, and attend town meetings. This is what grassroots accountability looks like. And it works.
Let’s rebuild America from the ground up
Traditional conservative values of limited government, fiscal discipline, and personal responsibility are under siege. But the solution won’t come from another empty promise in a televised debate. It will come from citizens reclaiming control of their local institutions.
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This isn’t a movement funded by billionaires or driven by party machines. It’s a movement of neighbors, parents, veterans, and small business owners—people who love their country and want to fix it the right way.
Here’s how to start
If you’re wondering how to get involved, here’s where to begin:
- Get informed: Read your city’s budget. Understand local ordinances. Know what your leaders are doing.
- Get organized: Join with others who care. Host a local town hall. Start a community watchdog group.
- Take action: Knock on doors. Register voters. Help someone run for office—or run yourself.
- Demand accountability: Ask tough questions. Attend public meetings. Make your voice heard.
We don’t lack resources. We lack resolve. But that’s changing, one citizen at a time.
The next revolution begins at your door
I didn’t get involved in this fight for attention or power. I did it because I believe in this country. I believe in the strength of its people. And I believe that if we want to fix our broken system, we must start where our impact is greatest—right in our own communities.
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So let’s get to work. The future of our country starts at your doorstep.
Cliff Maloney is the CEO of Citizens Alliance and the founder of the PA Chase. He can be found @Maloney on X.
Editor’s Note: Every single day, here at RedState, we will stand up and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT against the radical left and deliver the conservative reporting our readers deserve.
* Original Article:
https://redstate.com/redstate-guest-editorial/2025/05/30/the-local-revolution-why-saving-america-starts-on-your-street-n2189702