Exactly. When cities are facing potential budget shortfalls, they say things like "If we don't get a tax increase, we're going to have to slash the fire and po

Exactly. When cities are facing potential budget shortfalls, they say things like "If we don't get a tax increase, we're going to have to slash the fire and police departments." They highlight the most important areas (which should of course not be the first items on the chopping block) instead of the actual marginal areas, in order to scare people.