Editorial: Time and Patience

In the joke, Warner reflects upon his first few days in office when he discovered that the shortfall of the state budget was much higher than expected. Having been recently elected and faced with this, he claims to have asked, “Is it too late for a recount?”

Robert McDonnell might want to learn this joke. He is coming into office as Virginia governor at a time of incredible difficulty. Different sources argue whether oir not we are beginning to recover from the economic difficulties of the last several years. If we are in the midst of a recovery, it is likely to be much slower than anyone would wish.

In the meantime, the citizens and business in the Commonwealth continue to struggle. Transportation funding appears to be in a freefall, and it looks likely there will be less assistance from the federal government to help build either schools or roads. A review of the state budget will show that some truly Draconian cuts will be required for Virginia to pass a balanced budget. It seems likely that the argument over whether the interstate rest stops really needed to be closed will seem like a minor issue. As is the case with nearly every budget cut or tax increase, someone will be angry and swear to the stars and every passing motorist that it’s wrong and un-American.

While most will see McDonnell’s victory as a message to U.S. President Barack Obama, there is a lesson here for our governor-elect as well. When you promise change and prosperity, the voting public has little patience for a delayed process and progress needs to be both immediate and measurable. McDonnell is likely to receive some harsh scrutiny over the next year—if the first nine months of the Obama administration have taught us anything, some of that scrutiny and criticism will be deserved and some will not.

One of the unstated truisms of politics is that almost everyone who runs for political office has the best interests of the public at heart. While public officials may fiercely disagree on policy, it’s because of a sincere disagreement over policy and belief—not over a difference in commitment. With that in mind, McDonnell enters office with a strong victory over his Democratic rivals. For better or worse, McDonnell is the new governor and he deserves the chance to put his plan into practice and see if it really can improve the quality of life in Virginia. Even if he wasn’t your candidate, give him time to see if he’s earned the trust that the Commonwealth has placed on him.

Whoever you voted for, send your best wishes to our new governor and other elected officials. They may need it.