As the politics reporter here, I’m on the city of San Diego’s website frequently. I noticed something new pop up on Mayor Jerry Sanders’ site last week.
There’s a new button asking netizens to, “Submit Your Budget Suggestions.” Here’s part of Sanders’ message on the 2011 deficit:
I have always had a great appreciation for the common sense of citizens such as you. For that reason, as the City addresses a $179.1 million general fund budget gap, I am again asking for your help.
In the form below, please submit your ideas on how the City can address this economic crisis. I am interested in your suggestions on reducing spending, streamlining operations, or enhancing revenues. Take as much space as you need to express your ideas.
To address our budget challenge, the City must make substantial cuts. Service levels to our citizens will almost certainly be impacted. In these tough economic times, I will be working hard to protect core City services — including public safety, a safe and reliable water supply and reforms that will enhance our financial integrity. I am interested in your throughts (sic) on City priorities and programs
The message links to the city’s current budget and says some suggestions will be posted. It again blames the deficit on the recession. The mayor posted citizen suggestions last year, too.
We undertook a similar exercise a couple weeks ago.