Harsh realities

It’s campaign season* – which means the politicians are out in full force, promising things to the voters. And the voters are lapping it up, depending upon their point of view.  Promises of additional spending – whether it be for schools or neighborhoods or anything else – garners support from those who would like to see our resources pointed in those directions. Promises of fiscal restraint – read tax cuts – garners the support of those who feel as if they pay too much.

Rare is the case where those who seek our votes level with us and tell the truth:

There is no money.

No money to spend on schools, no money to spend on neighborhoods, and certainly no money for tax cuts.

Norfolk, even before the final state budget was approved, was facing a $35 million deficit. The school board budget is $27 million less than last year’s.  There is talk of layoffs, furloughs, paycuts and elimination of programs.

Yet when I listen to the candidates speak, it’s all happy talk.

Get real.

*Campaign season – also known as “silly season,” is a perpetual state in Virginia in which the citizens are bombarded with political messages and expected to cast a vote at least once every six months, if not more often.