Balance on the Ballot

There's a rather depressing tendency for policy conversations to resort to false black and white options. Tax hikes or service cuts is one of those false dichotomies - and buying into it makes it easy for policy makers to justify their actions: we had no choice. It is also useful to divide people - after all, when there are only two choices, there is no bridge between them. Either you're for service cuts or you're for tax hikes.   However, in reality there's a whole range of grey that should be considered.  What if the tax rate remained the same, but the economy grew? What if services were more efficiently delivered? What if the administrative burden of collecting the taxes was reduced? What if we quit providing services that fail to result in meaningful improvements and redirected resources into services that are more effective? Often, what is needed is a more creative approach to policy making, government services and the use of public resources. Often what is needed ...

For most of the past 25 years, I've called Victoria home, and for the past 13 years, home has been the same spot. Currently, we're relocated about 100 feet East while we rebuild what is hoped to be our forever home. While growing up, I had never lived in the same house for more than 5 years, so being in one spot for 13 (and what is hoped to be decades more) has enabled roots to grow and an enduring love of place to form.   I recognize that I have been exceptionally blessed, and not a morning goes by that I do not wake up with gratitude for the life I have been able to lead. For the love and partnership of my husband, who has been a part of my life for nearly 15 years, for the two step-kids he brought into my life, for the two kids we added to the mix. For step-motherhood and motherhood. For my career as an economist, and now as small business owner. For the mentors and amazing leaders I've had in my life. For my education which enabled my career. For my friendships. Gratitu...