Budget was destructive

I received a flier in the mail about Sen. Michael Baumgartner’s town meetings to enlighten us on the 2015 legislative highlights; lemonade to be served. The first item is “Bipartisan, balanced budget.”

The Legislature had severely cut the budget funding for equipment and firefighters needed to fight wildfires. Time and resources are a critical key to minimize damage from wildfires. The budget cuts may have cost Eastern Washington the loss of three firefighters, homes, valuable livestock, wildlife and forest lands, etc. They have also shortchanged teachers and educational funding in our state. The list goes on.

I hold the Legislature culpable. Baumgartner likes to toot his political horn, with little concern for the citizens of Eastern Washington. We have cars called “lemons.” Now we can call politicians lemons.

Janet Smith

Spokane