I totally agree that both state and county should do more for less.  I've seen plenty of waste that can be cut in order to make that happen.

Tokuda looked at a budget projection from last year (the most recent that was available to her).  I think she had some valid points and good questions but didn't receive good answers.  Not once did the mayor or deputy director say "we've already looked at that" or anything similar as far as I recall. 

The city keeps increasing its budget in line with revenues.  If the rail tax were more visible, I think more pressure would be put on politicians to really watch rail costs.  We don't have that now.