Commentary: Elections have consequences [updated]

By way of David Brauer at MinnPost, we read that

But this morning, Steve Benen at Washington Monthly ripped the guv a new one, calling Pawlenty's handiwork [of suggesting a federal balanced budget constitutional amendment] "blisteringly stupid," "an insane policy prescription" and "right up there among the most ridiculous pieces I've seen in a long while." And oh yeah; TPaw "has a child-like understanding of economic basics."

Insults aside, here's the nub of Benen's argument:

Trying to balance the budget in the midst of a financial crisis is the exact opposite of what every sane person realizes we need — a government stimulus to help spur the economy. Why would Pawlenty recommend slashing hundreds of billions of dollars in government spending right now? ... This piece suggests Pawlenty looked back at the Great Depression, and became convinced that Hoover was right.

Last night, when Maplewood Councilpersons Juenemann, Rossbach, and Nephew set the 2009 property tax levy, they did not bow to the idea that good government is an extravagence to be barely tolerated in good times. They did not resort to slash and burn decision making. They did not grease squeaky wheels. They did not hide behind citizens.

By setting a levy that supports their vision of a what a municipal government should look like in this place and in these economic times, they chose stability and predictability. They chose to not deliberately add to downward spirals.

They stood and did the job they were elected to do.

Is the result what Maplewood voters want? We have elections to make that judgment.

For now, Councilpersons Juenemann, Rossbach, and Nephew exercised their judgment, exactly as they were elected to do.


[Updates:]

The latest Citizen League Property Tax Report provides more context.

Mr. Nephew says the levy increase is 2.2%.

The entire levy increase supports debt service. The operating levy supporting the general fund decreased.