Budgeting 101

It seems like a fairly simple thing. Income must be more than outgo. Distribute income among various needs according to how much you think you will spend. Create a separate fund to hold any extra just in case you need it later. If any changes need to be made, they can be made later.

What part of that is so difficult for Birmingham politicians? I (unlike Mayor Bernard Kinkaid) can fully understand the concepts laid down by consultant Doug Turner, who suggested that the budget be based on spending from the previous year. It's how I lay out my budget at home, and it works. What's sad is that Turner had to be hired in the first place to determine something that most people learn in second or third grade. And trust me, folks, consultants are not cheap.

I propose to the people of Birmingham that, before you elect any of these jokers back into office, you make sure that you can trust them to balance your checkbook for you. They are, after all, working with your money.