Perspective: Politicians Must Make Tough Economic Decisions (VIDEO)

01/26/2011 2:24 am 0 comments

You’ve heard me say on this show on many occasions we need politicians who are willing to make the tough choices. Dana Redd, the mayor of Camden, New Jersey, is one of those folks. This week, she got lots of attention when she decided to lay off 45 percent of the police force. Now, look. She said Camden had a $26 million budget shortfall, and, therefore, they could not depend on the State of New Jersey or the federal government to bail Camden out, like they did in previous years. So, she asked city workers, “Take a pay freeze, but also pay more for your healthcare.” They said no. She said, “Fine. You’re out of a job.”

Now, it makes no sense for us to continue along this path. Look. I understand the need for – for police in Camden, because they have a very high crime rate. But, folks, we cannot continue to live like this.

We are not going to be able to deal with the deficits in this country, whether you’re liberal or conservative, if we don’t have politicians willing to make the tough call, but also, you as taxpayers can’t keep asking for more and not be willing to pay for it.

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