Sunday, January 10, 2010
Editorial: McDonnell makes a sober entry
The governor-elect is right to be mindful of people's hardships.
From the RoundTable blog
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Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has planned a subdued transition to power that's fitting to these austere times.
He has scaled back the usual inaugural festivities, and scattered various community service activities in among the celebratory balls to be held this week across the state.
Like Govs. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner before him, McDonnell is cutting his own salary. Again like Kaine, he will be shrinking the paychecks of cabinet members, at least for the next six months and possibly beyond.
With these gestures, McDonnell is signaling the seriousness of Virginia's financial straits and the need for shared sacrifice.
Taken together, the tens of thousands of dollars the pay cuts will save the state will barely scratch at its multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Symbolic measures are significant, nevertheless, as a new leader takes the reins in Richmond.
McDonnell's extraordinary circuit of public-service stops also appears to be an effort to lead by example.
Doing volunteer work at, not one, but three food banks and at a homeless shelter will spotlight the widespread hardships the recession has imposed on Virginians -- and the need for others to donate time and money.
Planned visits with military families, members of a Boys and Girls Club, jail inmates all suggest that his administration hopes to expand opportunities for all kinds of people.
The Republican's example of voluntary service to others is a fine message that might inspire others to see unmet needs and help.
What it should not be is a message that charities can bear the burdens of massive cuts in the public safety net.
In the governor's mansion, McDonnell should keep attuned to people's needs.
