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Whenever a politician starts talking numbers — especially when they are running for office — it pays to do the math; check and verify.

Case in point: Dan McDonald consistently touts that he has saved Bonner County $8 million. The fact is his 2017/18 approved budget is $57.2 million while last year’s 2016/17 approved budget was $60.7 million. This is only a $3.5 million reduction in budget. So where does McDonald get his $8 million savings? He is comparing last year’s actual expenditures of $64.9 million to this year’s budget (a $7.7 million dollar difference). Apples to oranges.

County budgets must be based on estimated revenue. Hence last year’s budget grew to $64.9 million because more than anticipated revenue came in. McDonald does not control the revenue and his budget this year is no exception. If more revenue comes in, more will be spent … same as last year.

GLENN ROHRER

Priest River