Government spending
We’re all familiar with budgets and budgeting — some more successfully than others.
The money comes in, we look at our bills and other financial obligations, and ideally we are responsible enough to take care of them first, then look at donations to worthy causes, long-term home projects, saving and maybe a bit of splurge spending.
Ideally, we put some aside for that rainy day that always pops up.
Our county government should be no different. There are obligations — employee wages, paying for improvement projects, basic government expenses, but there should be also saving for unexpected expenses and keeping a reserve.
Bigger government is not necessarily better. Simply adding employees does not always mean better, faster service.
Cash giveaways, although popular with the populace, have little long-term effect and don’t necessarily translate into votes come election time.
We all face many challenges in Hawaii County — affordable housing, adequate local food production, humane treatment of animals and controlling their exploding population (animals should not be used as a source of income and affordable spay/neuter clinics need to be expanded), pollution of the ocean and the ‘aina, irresponsible garbage disposal, over development and increased traffic, noise and loss of open space that comes with it. The list unfortunately goes on.
It seems a bit of belt-tightening and realistic look at what we want our future to be in order. It is possible to create a sustainable, environmentally sound future for all. Let’s get at it!
V. Fuqua
Ocean View
Asset to community
Mahalo to (Ace Hardware-Keaau) worker Larry Sato. He is always helpful, patient, dedicated and professional, and makes sure you’re buying the right items for your home or outside improvements.
Many of my fellow colleagues agree and feel the same way. What an asset to our community and an all-around good person.
Mahalo, keep smiling, and God bless.
Crawford Gonsalves
Kurtistown
