The Morning Report
Get the news and information you need to take on the day.
Monday, June 8, 2009 | I read Vladimir Kogan‘s article, “The Myth of Runaway City Spending,” with enthusiasm. The writer’s clear statement of the City’s financial position in understandable terms should serve as a good starting point for an honest public conversation about our City’s finances. Let’s have a real dialogue about our public service and public funding priorities. Our discussion must include the price tags for all items and a clear accounting of our current revenues and expenditures.
Armed with priorities, fair analysis like Mr. Kogan’s and an opportunity to participate, I believe the public can make the informed choice to preserve current (and potentially improve) service levels by considering additional revenue streams or to be content with cuts to critical services.
The proposed Citizens Revenue Review and Economic Competitiveness Commission could be a good avenue for moving this discussion forward, and I am committed to pursuing all options to ensure our neighborhoods receive the services we expect.