Candidates should talk about spending controls

I appreciate the June 23 coverage of the 20 Democratic presidential candidates with a brief synopsis of what each candidate sees as the major issues and their proposed remedies.

But one huge issue has not been addressed by any of the candidates. They all have plans for new and expensive programs, but don't say how they're going to pay for them, much less reduce the deficit.

Bill Clinton was the last president to run a surplus, which shows that a Democrat can still be fiscally responsible. The Republicans used to be the fiscal conservatives, but George W. Bush implemented record deficits, and Trump has continued the reckless spending.

I would vote for the candidate from either party who ran on a deficit reduction platform with a promise to cut government spending, even if it meant reduced retirement benefits and higher taxes.

Larry Mayerhofer

Geneva