Paul Krugman, in his op-ed America Goes Dark @ NYTimes.com, laments the fact that budget constraints are causing problems for local municipalities. While I agree with Krugman on one point, I don’t want to replace my city’s paved roads with dirt roads, I disagree on another:
The lights are going out all over America — literally. Colorado Springs has made headlines with its desperate attempt to save money by turning off a third of its streetlights, but similar things are either happening or being contemplated across the nation, from Philadelphia to Fresno.
I don’t see the reduction of city lights as a “desperate attempt,” instead I think it’s a worthwhile way to resolve a difficult financial problem. Why we have such a love affair with streetlights is anybody’s guess, but I could certainly do with fewer. A reduction by 1/3 or more wouldn’t leave cities lightless, would save a considerable amount of money and reduce a significant number of, my opinion here, unsightly streetlights, with an obvious upside being that I might also be able to see some stars.
And one more point:
We’re told that we have no choice, that basic government functions — essential services that have been provided for generations — are no longer affordable. And it’s true that state and local governments, hit hard by the recession, are cash-strapped. But they wouldn’t be quite as cash-strapped if their politicians were willing to consider at least some tax increases.
Lighting is not an essential service. It’s a benefit. It’s nice to have. It’s not essential. And Krugman’s position shows a fundamental lack of understanding of just how difficult it is out here right now. Raising taxes to maintain negligibly necessary services is, well… not necessary. To me It seems pretty progressive for a municipality to consider cutting some of the lights in order to save money. It’s something non-municipalties, like you and me, have to consider everyday. It’s considerate and downright brilliant for municipalities to try to find ways to save money so they don’t have to ask taxpayers to foot the bill.
So go ahead and kill some lights, you won’t get a complaint from me.