Loss of Funding?

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I run a summer athletic program for at-risk youth in my city. Last summer, our participation numbers tripled (we don't cap participation), and as a result, I went over budget about $30,000. So this year, in preparation for similar participation numbers, I had to go before our city commission to request additional funds. My request was for $35,000 more than I already have in my budget. After giving my presentation before the commission tonight, one city commission--who traditionally has been one of the biggest supporters of the program--began questioning the necessity of additional funding. You could see the look of shock on other commissioners's faces (and probably mine too) to see one of the program's biggest supporters going off on a tirade about funding the program. What should have been a slam dunk approval of funding now looked like it was in danger of being scrapped altogether. And I had to stand up there in front of the dais for more than 20 minutes listening to city commissioners argue back and forth. And then out of the blue, the commissioner who had started the whole ruckus by questioning the funding, suddenly made a motion to approve the funding. Just like that, the motion passed unanimously and the issue was settled. Fortunately for me, I got the funding I needed. But I'm still scratching my head at the behavior of the commissioner who is my biggest supporter. I felt like the 20 minutes I stood up there listening to commissioners bicker back and forth took a year or two off my life. It blows my mind how people lose all ability to use rational thought or common sense when they become an elected official. And to think that someday soon I may be crazy enough to consider getting into local politics!