Most everyone is familiar with the old adage that &#8220two wrongs don't make a right.” Many people may not be as familiar with a variation on that &#8220two rights can make wrong.”

OK, maybe that one is not as well known (because I just made it up) but it seems to hold true when looking at some of the recent problems facing the Ironton City Council.

For more than three years, I covered the council as an objective, unbiased observer for the newspaper. My only stake in the fight has been that I want to see the community I have grown up in and around return to prominence and find a bright future.

During that time, I have heard all the battles over budgets, municipal fees, layoffs and more. When all the personalities are put aside, the issues usually boil down to two ideological philosophies: Make cuts or pass fees.

Though some council members find themselves in the middle, both sides were usually clear and passionate about what they believed. Through much debate, posturing and sometimes some yelling, members of the council often found themselves at an impasse.

One side would say that the other wouldn't provide enough funding. Then that faction would say that cuts must be made within the administration. Back and forth the arguments went for years.

People would often approach me on the street and say, &#8220Which side do you think is right?” The only answer I could ever provide was really quite simple: Both are right - and therein lay the problem.

The group that favored some sort of municipal fee - whether it is $5, $10, $15 or a gazillion dollars - made many valid points. Yes, the numbers show the city does need revenue. Ironton has continued to spend more than it brings in, so revenue is an issue.

For any city to be able to focus on economic development, it must have tools to do so. And tools cost money.

So, when those of this mindset passionately cry that Ironton needs a fee to survive and prosper, they are right.

On the other side of that coin is the group saying that cuts must be made and that the city must examine the entire way it operates. Guess what, they are right too.

Any city or business looking to live within its means must look at every nuance of its budget. Even if the voters pass a municipal fee, that will only be a Band-Aid. The city still will not have much money left to try and expand services.

If either side was wrong, it would likely be easier for some compromise. Instead, both groups stand firm in their beliefs and that has resulted in the impasse. Both sides deserve praise for standing firm on what they believe.

Only time will tell if two rights can eventually come together and be the best answer for Ironton.

Michael Caldwell is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.