While much attention has been directed in recent years toward tax incentives aimed at attracting new residents and new businesses to the District, we think the people who remained in D.C. and bore the hardships deserve some consideration, too. D.C. residents and business owners are paying too much for local government services. Government, unlike business, isn't supposed to make a profit. But like in a business, government managers should keep close tabs on income and expenditures, making midyear management decisions when necessary to prevent deficit spending. Municipal finance isn't rocket science, despite the efforts of many politicians to make voters think so.
Government is the public's business.