Gov. John Kasich's proposed budget is not a plan to balance Ohio's budget, but a means to pursue his narrow, ideological agenda.

He is seeking to capitalize on Ohio's budget crisis to eliminate workers' rights, outsource core government services and balance the budget on the backs of local governments. His patronizing charge to local officials to make difficult choices and to be leaders is misdirected and reflects an underappreciation of the value cities, villages and townships bring to the state.

Two years ago, Columbus faced declining revenue and increased costs, compounded by two recessions within 10 years, the latter being the worst since the Great Depression. Funding for critical social services had been slashed and many city services were discontinued. Recreation centers were closed and entire city departments eliminated. Many city jobs had already been cut, but more workers were let go.

Those who remained were asked to make sacrifices; wages were frozen and workers were furloughed. Income-tax revenues continued to decline, state funding continued to shrink and investment earnings evaporated. The city's budget was structurally unbalanced.

Columbus leaders coalesced around a strategy to bring Columbus' budget back into balance. City workers, including organized labor, agreed to contribute more to cover costs of their insurance and pensions. Elected leaders promised reforms that would further streamline local government and committed to reporting progress to an accountability committee of community members, business leaders and financial experts.

The city also committed to stepping up economic development efforts to attract new businesses while making it easier for those already here to expand and create new jobs.

And Columbus leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, asked taxpayers to pay more for services. Columbus voters obliged, choosing to invest in their community rather than see services cut further and their quality of life diminished.

Columbus workers continue to make concessions, and the city has implemented changes that will save taxpayers at least $135 million through 2019. The mayor and council have made an unprecedented investment in regional economic development efforts through Columbus2020!, a public-private partnership that includes leaders from the Columbus Partnership, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, CompeteColumbus, TechColumbus, MODE, MORPC, Franklin County, The Ohio State University, Columbus Foundation and Battelle.

Unemployment is down, tax receipts have improved and there are signs of growth in the local economy.

Gov. Kasich's proposed budget will further slash local government funding. Reducing the portion of state tax revenues committed to local governments breaks a promise made in 1935, when the Local Government Fund was established. Its purpose was to replace cuts in funding received through property taxes with a portion of the state sales tax. Now, state leaders who have reduced their commitment to local governments by 20 percent over the last decade are further shirking their responsibilities by proposing additional cuts of 25 percent in 2011 and 50 percent in 2012.

Gov. Kasich rationalizes these cuts by providing "tools" that will allow local governments to reduce costs, including the elimination of collective bargaining through the passage of Senate Bill 5. However, the new law will not have any meaningful impact on the proposed budget, as it cannot be applied retroactively. Contracts in place must be honored. Eliminating prevailing-wage requirements impacts capital projects, not the operating budget.

In reality, this is simply a way for the governor to weaken labor unions while reclaiming local tax dollars. Police officers, firefighters and school teachers are not our enemies and we cannot allow the governor to use them as scapegoats in his pursuit of a reckless agenda that will not balance the state budget.

Republicans and Democrats who have served as township trustees, school board members, council members or as mayors have for decades made difficult choices while leading their communities through challenging economic times.

I call on Gov. Kasich to start making difficult decisions, to be a leader and stop passing the buck.

Andrew Ginther is president of Columbus City Council.