What is the difference between smart budget cuts and chaotic budget cuts in government?

According to Mitch Landrieu, smart budget cuts are thoughtful and strategic reductions that minimize harm to citizens, while chaotic cuts negatively impact people's lives. Drawing from his experience cutting 20% from New Orleans' budget after multiple disasters, Landrieu emphasizes that effective fiscal management requires transparency and accountability. He uses an analogy comparing weight loss methods: strategic reduction versus 'cutting off a leg' which causes more harm than good. The key distinction is that smart cuts preserve essential services while chaotic cuts, especially when made by unaccountable entities without transparency, can devastate communities.