STATE LAWMAKERS SHOULD PUT PUBLIC SERVICE FIRST

Politicians or public servants? Before lawmakers finish tackling this year’s ugly budget challenges, they might do well to take a moment for self-reflection.

If they’re politicians first, bent primarily on keeping the good will of campaign supporters and voters, then a hard line against new taxes and deep cuts to achieve balance makes good sense.

If, however, they’re public servants first, it makes more sense to take a holistic look at the services state government provides and its duties as an employer, then look for fair and fiscally responsible ways to fund them.

Eighteen senators and 61 representatives seemingly have put politics first by signing the pledge proffered by the organization Citizens for a Sound Economy. Hits ranging from Hurricane Floyd to rising Medicaid costs to the economic slowdown notwithstanding, they’ve vowed to hold the line on taxes.

Even worse, the signers pledge to resist closing tax loopholes identified by a commission that also sought other efficiencies.

Thirty-two senators and 59 representatives wisely have chosen not to paint themselves into that corner. Those lawmakers still have a chance to put public service first and to react responsibly to the appeal a coalition of advocates made at Wednesday’s statehouse rally.

Their message: If you must, raise taxes instead of slashing programs that provide critical services.

Senate appropriations leaders say the $ 14 billion spending plan they’ll present this week will include $ 185 million to $ 200 million in additional revenue that results from closing tax loopholes.

That’s not nearly enough to balance the budget without including deep cuts proposed in education, health and human services and other areas.

Finding and eliminating waste is the best way for government to raise spending money. It’s a long-term job that can require reducing bureaucracies in addition to hewing and hacking. Hard times, however, can require increasing taxes.

By putting public service first, prudent lawmakers may find that they’re up to the more difficult task.