EDITORIAL:

Scoring 100% is always something to crow about. And even getting 94%, well that’s pretty good too.

So with that, we congratulate Assemblymen Van Tran and Chuck Devore for their perfect scores from California Taxpayers’ Assn. for their thrifty voting records in 2007.

State Sen. Tom Harman got a 94% score from the association.

We commend the three lawmakers for these honors. Watching out for the taxpayers and their pocketbooks is a full-time job; especially in the state capitol, where there are plenty of special-interest groups looking for handouts.

Saying no to spending is not easy. It’s much easier to just open up the taxpayers’ pocketbook and throw money at issues.

Saying no to groups or agencies looking for money isn’t a great way to make a lot of friends.

We understand there are many needs in the state. Roads, waterways and infrastructures are always in need of constant repair. Education costs continue to skyrocket.

But the taxpayers do their part already.

Businesses don’t need a lot of extra taxes and regulations; otherwise, they will just go elsewhere to do business.

It’s up to the state lawmakers to manage our money correctly and ensure that not a penny is wasted.

Raising taxes should be avoided at all costs, and balancing the budget is an all-important task.

That’s why the work of Tran, Devore and Harman is so appreciated.

Congratulations to all three for earning their paychecks. We just wish other lawmakers would take heed.