Selling dreams was easy for District politicians, including Council Chairman Vincent Gray, during the recent primary campaign. But as the legislature returns this week from its summer recess, it faces real work and tough decisions — not the least of which is how to resolve a severe revenue shortfall.

How presumptive Mayor Gray and presumptive Council Chairman Kwame Brown propose to handle the more than $100 million shortage projected for fiscal year 2011, which begins Oct. 1, will be the first test of their political mettle and management acumen. Will they suggest broad and deep budget cuts? Or will the dynamic duo take the easy way out, proposing raising taxes on wealthy residents?

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