Reserves should protect people, not just sit there while services are cut.
Union-Tribune editorials keep calling the county reserve debate an “accounting scheme.” That makes it sound like this came out of nowhere. It did not.
Years ago, candidates as different as Nathan Fletcher and Bonnie Dumanis were saying San Diego County should use its huge savings account to do more on homelessness, housing, mental health and public health.
Now, when the county talks about making reserves easier to use responsibly, suddenly it is treated like a scandal.
No one is asking for a blank check. Spending will still require public votes and clear priorities.
Public money should be available when the public needs help. A rainy-day fund is not much use if leaders refuse to admit it is raining.
— Sarah Spinks, Vista