Budget cuts eventually hurt everyone somewhere. Anyone who has a finger in the pie will question whether the burden of closing the budget gap is spread fairly. As a retired military veteran I can remember the years of no pay raises or minimal raises. The money simply was not there, and while we complained, we also just bit the bullet and marched on.
The question now should be what Baltimore can do to "bite the bullet and march on." What cuts in programs, salaries and bonuses can the mayor and the City Council make to close the gap? They need to review the city's budget and make the difficult but necessary cuts.
The must prioritize programs and start identifying where 5 percent or 10 percent can be cut. Education should be among the top three as well as implementing the DOJ consent degree.
Can more federal funds be acquired? Form a volunteer board to see where cuts can be made and then march on as good soldiers do, stop whining and get the mission accomplished.
Stas Chrzanowski,Canton