The old adage goes something like this.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Sounds good enough, but if it becomes a homage to the status quo, then count me out.
Everything is worthy of review and examination and at least preventative maintenance, even if it appears to be running well. Trouble is a county deficit of $31 million dollars means the county is not running well. Rising taxes like rising fuel consumption mean the machine is due for a tuneup. It may require certain parts or pieces be replaced, because they’re worn out. They’re not doing a good job or not good enough.
No public official is granted a waiver in making hard decisions. Individuals make them all the time, yet public servants who become politically minded often seek to avoid saying NO to anyone. Instead they speak soft words to everyone.
It doesn’t work.
Essential services must be prioritized, based on the needs of the General Public. Across the board cuts or ‘one size fits all’ approaches to fiscal responsibility ignore the requirements of the majority from which any administration derives its revenue.
Any budget overburdened by special programs or too many specific interests will fail.
It isn’t a budget any more. It’s merely a fantasy.
The old Do It Yourself adage may be the privilege of private ownership; that is, do what you will with whatever affects you only. However, a much higher standard must be applied to Public Interest.
When it comes to the tax paying Public-at-Large, the time to fix anything is before it breaks down.