At the recent debate between Democrat Dennis Haszko and Republican Lance Harvell, the candidates for the House District 89 (Farmington-Industry) seat, Mr. Harvell stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget should be cut in half.
If Mr. Harvell could make these cuts, the money saved would need to be added to the Public Safety budget, since their work is going to increase as people in need of mental health services, protection from abuse, and other critical services end up homeless or untreated.
Do cuts need to be made in the state budget? Yes, but the cuts should not be to services for our citizens who are most in need. In making the necessary cuts, every cut needs to be examined for the probable consequences. At a time of rising unemployment, the services of DHHS are going to be needed more, not less.
I am confident that Democratic candidate Dennis Haszko will bring a moderate and careful problem-solving approach to streamlining budgets while maintaining important services for our people. I have already voted for Mr. Haszko, and I encourage you to do so also.
Norman Hurlburt
Farmington
