Johnston decided to raise property taxes by 3% last night, but don't blame them, they're victims too, at least according to them.  First Mayor Joseph Polisena and the Town Council blamed the state for cuts to revenue sharing, then they decided to go after the federal government.  At one point, Councilman Joseph Wells suggested ignoring federal mandates.  His exact words?   "What are they going to do?  Put us all in jail?  Then, just when you think things couldn't get any more surreal, M.C. Earnest Pitochelli decided to bust a rhyme right there at the meeting: He said, "Whitehouse and Reed we don't need...Rhode Island can't win with Kennedy and Langevin."   

     What were Johnston voters thinking when they elected this cast of characters?  Polisena's budget acknowledges that the town will receive $3.5 million less from the state, yet he also cut $3.2 million in proposed spending.  That leaves a shortfall of $300,000.  What's even more shocking is that the Mayor and all 5 Councilmen unanimously agreed on raising property taxes.  Not only are citizens dealing with a recession and inflated property valuations due to the housing bubble, but now they also have to contend with a property tax increase. 

     With the exception of M.C. Pitochelli's performance, Rhode Islanders will be seeing last night's events in Johnston play out in city and town halls all over the state.  Local officials will propose raising taxes and they will blame both the federal and state government.  Everyone will share blame for that city or town's problems, except for the local officials themselves.  When you hear it, don't believe it.  Local officials were prepared well in advance for the possibility of little of no revenue sharing.  They decided to ignore the warnings, and now they are avoiding the tough decisions.  Don't let them get away with it.