Tough times are soon ahead, and in some circles, are already here.

An unpopular alternative on the local and state level is to cut jobs. No one wants to make the vote, let alone the suggestion, that positions should be eliminated. However, those costs are still going to be there. And there's only so many programs and services you can cut before there's nothing left.

We think it makes sense to cuts jobs in specific areas where governments can contract out the work.

Snow removal is one such example.

There are only so many snowplows that government entities can have. Same thing goes with dump trucks to haul away the snow. That's when city and state governments need to get creative and contract those trucks and plows out from local construction and excavation companies. Pay someone a flat rate, or a flat hourly rate, and have them get the job done. It's a seasonal job, it doesn't happen all the time and would keep people from sitting around the rest of the year doing menial tasks or playing cards.

We're not saying the above idea will work. But it's an idea, and if we're not offering them, we're not taking part in helping find solutions. We encourage citizens, local and state officials to come up with similar creative measures to help solve our budget problems.