How long will my library be open? Where did the money come from to restore fire services? Why were the arts spared? Will the city ever fix its budget problems?
Those are four questions we’ve tried to answer in our coverage so far of Mayor Jerry Sanders’ proposed 2012 budget. Friday, we’ll answer more questions — and you get to pick them.
Friday is the return of The People’s Reporter, an occasional voiceofsandiego.org feature. In short, you’re my boss for the day. You decide what I should cover and I’ll do my best to track down some answers. I’ll be posting throughout the day. Send me your tips, story ideas, questions and curiosities.
The budget in a nutshell: The proposed 2012 budget is $2.8 billion, including $1.1 billion that pays for general city services such as police, fire, libraries and parks. Major cuts the mayor has proposed to close a $56.7 million gap include nearly halving already reduced branch library hours and actually halving recreation center hours. Now the City Council can make its own changes to the budget before it’s approved in June. Here’s the budget proposal.
I’ll get going at 8 a.m. tomorrow, but start sending your questions right away.
Please tell Liam Dillon what to do directly at liam.dillon@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5663. You can also tell him what to do on Twitter: twitter.com/dillonliam.