In the face of declining tax revenues, deep cuts in state aid and what sometimes seemed like a financial environment that deteriorated by the day, Mayor James Fiorentini has maintained essential city services without socking it to taxpayers.

When he took office six years ago, Fiorentini inherited a multi-million dollar debt for the Hale Hospital and city spending that was spiraling out of control.

Fiorentini has taken a hard line on expenses, failing to earn many friends among some of the city's labor unions because of his single-minded determination to reduce the amount that the city spends on health insurance for its employees. But taxpayers — many of whom have not only incurred higher health-insurance costs but have lost the jobs that provided any medical coverage at all — are grateful that he has not given up this fight.

By 2006, under Fiorentini's leadership, Haverhill's bond rating climbed two rungs from the lowest possible ranking by Moody's Investors Service and held that position until last month.

In September, the well-respected financial research and analysis firm issued a negative outlook for the city, reporting there is a possibility of a downgrade of Haverhill's bond rating in the next 12 to 18 months, in part because the city's reserves have been depleted. But it was Fiorentini's financial management over the previous two terms that allowed him to amass reserves from which to draw when times got bad.

Serious challenges remain. As Election Day approaches, Gov. Deval Patrick is poised to announce another round of cuts in state aid. With less than $1 million in free cash, Fiorentini faces difficult choices he has so far been able to avoid, among them: closing a fire station, deeper cuts at the library and further cutting into a school budget that is already inadequate.

During a recent forum sponsored by The Haverhill Gazette and HCTV's "Point of Reference" program, Fiorentini said all options are possible.

There is room for debate on some of Fiorentini's methods and decisions. We believe the mayor has fallen short in the area of capital planning and providing for maintenance of municipal properties. He shares blame with some municipal unions in creating an acrimonious relationship that makes coming to compromise and consensus difficult. We also question the mayor's heavy reliance on one-time funding sources to balance the city budget.

The mayor's challenger, John Michitson, offered some good ideas during his campaign that the mayor would be wise to adopt, especially in the areas of planning and maintenance. Michitson is thoughtful, smart and committed to Haverhill's success. We do not doubt that he would do well at the city's helm. but we believe that an incumbent deserves to keep his job unless he has done something to warrant losing it.

Fiorentini's performance overall — especially during the recent economic meltdown — makes him deserving of a return trip to the Corner Office at Haverhill City Hall.