Editorial: It’s time to share the pain

That government is about more than cops and asphalt was made clear last week at the Oak Harbor City Council meeting. In a time when many people are arguing passionately that government must “stick to the basics,” a small, nonprofit called Day Break Adult Day Services was asking for $18,000, which was $6,000 less than the city provided last year. Without the money, and despite other sources of revenue, they would have to close.

November 28, 2009 7:00 am

That government is about more than cops and asphalt was made clear last week at the Oak Harbor City Council meeting.

In a time when many people are arguing passionately that government must “stick to the basics,” a small, nonprofit called Day Break Adult Day Services was asking for $18,000, which was $6,000 less than the city provided last year. Without the money, and despite other sources of revenue, they would have to close.

Pity the poor council members who had to sit and listen to why Day Break’s services are needed. Family after family stepped to the microphone to described how their elderly or disabled loved ones thrived among their friends, whom they visit a couple of hours a day a few days a week. Meanwhile, their overburdened caregivers can have a few hours to themselves, for shopping or just relaxing. It is no small benefit, judging from the tears in their eyes and their quaking voices.

Despite the hard times, the council voted 4 to 2 to fork over the money and keep the program alive. No, it’s not technically an “essential” government service, but the majority was correct. Part of government’s job is to help people who can’t help themselves, and that is essential.

The Island County commissioners find themselves in a similar position, facing pressure to keep intact “basic services,” particularly the Sheriff’s Department, while cutting Senior Services and various programs that oversee volunteers. In some cases people would be hurt; in other cases the environment would suffer; but all are valuable aspects of the role of government in our lives.

All levels of government are suffering through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In the private sector, workers are being laid off by the millions and those who keep their jobs are having their hours slashed and benefits cut. They’re the lucky ones; they’ve still got a job.

The secret to governing in incredibly hard times is to make sure everyone shares the pain, from union worker to contract street sweeper. Those unwilling to share the pain may see their jobs go away, because taking care of the old, the sick and the environment are essential government service.