"you have Democrats in Congress who won't even allow a vote on off-shore drilling despite 70% of the people being in favor of it."

Just like the majority of Americans want us out of Iraq but we get lectured by Republicons about how they don't vote based on poll numbers. Can you at least fake being consistent?

"If the cuts were made in the past, then less drastic cuts would be required now.  And, if cuts were made in the past, then a tax cut would not even need to be considered."

There are plenty of areas to cut from the county budget, but because the BoC faces their employee unions on a daily basis (moreso than the residents they represent), they become weak-in-the-knees when it comes to making hard choices like the rest of us have had to do with their own family budgets.

Take for example: Martha T. Berry medical facility. The counry isn't even required to operate it. This can be sold with the profits going back into the county, to say nothing about the savings from their projected budget increases for '09.

The 70-point plan. This was a ridiculous plan that the BoC agree to the placate the unions that allowed employees to retire at age 50 with a very generous benefit package.

The BoC itself. There was a plan put forth to cut the BoC's own pay and benefits (from a Democrat, no less). Unfortunately, the majority of the BoC is looking out for themselves on this one.

I can continue, but I've made my point.