News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Our View: Brewer leaves all options on table
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Sometimes, a sign of real leadership is saying exactly what the public doesn’t want to hear. So it was a refreshing change last week when soon-to-be Gov. Jan Brewer didn’t automatically rule out potential tax increases to help resolve the state’s billion-dollar budget crisis.
Considering Brewer’s track record, we know she’s not eager to take more money out of taxpayer pockets during a recession to fund government. In fact, she probably loathes the idea.
However, Brewer can’t possibly have at her fingertips all of the solutions required to lift the state out of this funding hole. As secretary of state, Brewer only had to focus on the budget of her own agency, a tiny sliver of what the state spends each year.
As a prior county supervisor and state lawmaker, Brewer should have the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of more than 100 state agencies and understand the big picture. But she needs some time to work with budget experts in the governor’s office and to dig into the details.
So, by refusing to reject all tax increases, Brewer basically acknowledged what she doesn’t know at this point. Continuing this type of honest assessment would serve Brewer well in the weeks ahead.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: