Washington state Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has proposed reducing spending by $4 billion as a strong first step to the state's budgeting process, setting a tone Washington businesses and residents haven't witnessed in the past 12 years.

The Washington state government needs to rightsize operations to fit budget realities, rather than put a greater onus on businesses during the upcoming Legislative session.

In the Journal's View, as Spokane Airports CEO Larry Krauter departs for a similar job near Cincinnati, the airport board here has the unenviable task of replacing the longtime economic champion for the airports and the surrounding Spokane area.