This is the funny season. It is the time when political candidates make promises that are outlandish in order to win votes.

One of the often heard statements from candidates are promises that they personally will save taxes or fees because they are more fair and balanced then anyone else. They do not usually offer to communicate how they intend to carry out their grand scheme by themselves. How they know they are more fair and balanced then anyone else is a mystery, but they promise that anyway.

In the water and sewer business, cuts can be made in the near term, but ultimately cost more dollars to pay for the neglected valves, pumps, and pipes in the future. Many cities like Atlanta and smaller ones like Fountain Hills, Ariz., have made that mistake. They then turned their districts over to private enterprises who could raise rates outside of much of the public’s reach.

For example, Fountain Hills turned its district private in 2011. The private owners now want to raise the rates over 30 percent.

Be aware of candidate promises. Their visions sound good with quick fixes and their agendas, which are not usually complete thoughts. We need to keep good strong government in place and not trade for one-liners, false hopes, and unrealistic promises.

Robert E. Brady, Sammamish