Decision Making is a Process

The Athens Banner-Herald editorialized today (Sunday, July 20) that the Athens-Clarke County Commission was "irresponsible" for their decision to reconsider their earlier budgeting decision to turn of some 1100 streetlights in the county.

I believe their editorial misses the mark, is unfair, but worst of all is counterproductive to good government. It would seem they suggest that either the Commissioners a) forestall all decision making until they have weighed every variable and contemplated every impact each decision might have, and b) once coming to a decision, defend it and maintain it despite any new information that may come to their attention.

Budget cutting is a difficult task in a county that has added more than 12,000 people in the past seven years, and continues to do so. Cuts have real impacts on this community. I am certain the commission was aware that turning off street lights would have an impact, just as they were aware that cutting the street lights avoided other negative impacts. Choosing the lights might have meant not cutting several jobs, for instance, or perhaps not cutting police or fire coverage in some neighborhoods. In the final analysis, it may not be the best place to cut, and our government may have to look elsewhere.

I am pleased, however, to have a government that is willing to go back to the difficult budgeting process and have another look when presented with good reasons for reconsideration. Whether they end up affirming their decision, or changing it, the decision making process will be strengthened for it.