The La Crosse County Board finally did the right thing by voting to end the SMRT bus program in 2027. But it took far too long.

Why it matters: County officials knew the numbers a year ago. With ridership averaging just 29 riders per day in 2025 and a $280,000 annual price tag, this program was clearly unsustainable. Taxpayers deserved action sooner.

The bigger question: Is subsidized transportation even a proper role for local government?

Families, churches, nonprofits, volunteer networks, and ride-sharing services have long helped neighbors in need. Community-based solutions deserve exploration before defaulting to taxpayer-funded programs. Compassion is admirable but compassion and government spending are not the same thing.

The pattern: Too often, officials influenced with a Marxist mindset reach for more government as the first solution to everything. Every dollar government spends is a dollar taken from taxpayers already strained by rising property taxes and growing government costs.

The core debate: This isn't just about one bus route. It's about defining a proper role of government. Should county government insert itself into decisions that individuals can handle themselves? Or should it focus on its core responsibilities?

What voters should do: Pay attention. Ask candidates whether they are committed to responsible stewardship of tax dollars. Good intentions aren't enough; public policy must be financially sustainable and fall within the proper scope of government.

We the People need to tell the government when to step aside.