The author makes a generally logical and succinct argument in favor of maintaining arts funding in Miami-Dade County in this opinion piece. He has a clear bias, and discloses it transparently (I share his bias, by the way). The argument that funding for the arts is an investment rather than an expense is compelling to me, however this is a very Clinton-esque argument and isn't likely to sway conservative commissioner votes needed to fund the arts. The County government, service organizations and other nonprofit organizations are facing funding cuts as well, and I'm sure their advocates would make a case that their causes are either investments. Others would argue that we don't have the luxury of "investing" at a time when people will literally die if social service expenses or essential services (police and fire departments) are cut. The final argument that the cost of funding the arts averages $14 per house per year, if extended to the entire $400,000,000+ budget shortfall, becomes $515 per house, per year (an average) and offers a somewhat larger personal budgeting question for the average person. Juan Q. Taxpayer and his friends were out in force at the recent budget meeting that drew thousands of people screaming "no new taxes"- and I'm sure prospect of $515 in per household . I continue to wonder, however, if anyone is really looking at the central questions and considering meaningful long term solutions. Are the days when Florida can fund essential services via real estate taxes coming to an end? Is there fat in some government agencies, service providers and non profit entities that could be cut? Why are we in this situation in the first place, and what can be done in the long term to ensure full funding for all essential services, including the arts? Sadly, there seem to be no easy answers,