‘Trust’ isn’t a budget strategy, Mayor Whitmire. Houston needs new revenue.

The Houston Chronicle editorial board calls out the mayor for continuing to kick the can on city finances despite his past claims of a balanced budget. Here's a key quote:

Whitmire has asked us, repeatedly, to trust him. Trust that his 50 years of experience as a state legislator will pay dividends with lawmakers in Austin who otherwise seem to delight in kneecapping Houston at every opportunity. Trust that his chummy relationships with county commissioners can bridge at least some of the gaps in city services. Trust that the audit he commissioned from Ernst & Young can be the blueprint for a leaner, more efficient government.

But as some council members are pointing out, trust alone doesn’t pay the bills. When the city is staring down a potential $463 million deficit by 2030, that math ain’t mathing.