Although a reasonable sensible motion was made last night to utilize a portion of the increased revenue the city realized from the increased price of oil to restore serious, critical cuts to fire, police, library and recreation services, the majority of the council opposed it and the motion was withdrawn.
Oh, but moments later, the majority passed a motion to explore spending $500,000 - $600,000 for a new website and $80,000 for a study that will lead to spending $5 - $10 million on an underground tunnel between the police department the soon to be constructed state courthouse.
Here's the game. Several council members have a list of projects they want funded. Others of us believe that you don't fund projects when you are cutting public safety and quality of life services.
For 9 out of the last 10 years -- the City has under estimated the revenue from oil. Some are calling the increased oil revenue -- "one time monies" -- and should not be spent on on going expenses.
Really? Yet when sales tax revenues have increased 12% (as they were reported to have done so last night) that isn't "one time money" -- that money is used to offset any reductions in the budget. So the oil revenue which is in the same column as sales tax revenue is "one time" but the sales tax isn't?
So where is their plan to come up with revenue to restore the cuts proposed by Mayor Foster in police, fire, library and recreation? Haven't seen it. Haven't heard it.
Here's an idea. City Manager -- go back and make the $20 million dollars in cuts in all departments except fire, police, recreation and library. Start at the top and cut management positions. Stop cutting at the level where services are delivered and start cutting at the management level.
If it helps. Think of it as a one time cut.
Notice: This is not a City of Long Beach site.
Dear Readers: Please note that this is not a City of Long Beach website and is not paid for nor maintained by taxpayer funds.
If you contact Gerrie Schipske through this site on any matter pertaining to the City of Long Beach, a copy of your contact will be forwarded to her official city email as an official public record.
Save Station 18
- Council Guts Fire Services in the Middle of the Night - 9/7/2011
- Come to Community Budget Meeting to Discuss Cuts to Fire, Police, Library and Recreation - 8/25/2011
- How Facts Get in the Way of Political Agendas - 8/12/2011
- They are at it again -- 27 firefigthers to be cut -- Station 18 to be downgraded - 8/8/2011
- You Did It -- Fire Station 18 Will Remain Open - 9/18/2009
Popular Posts
-
In response to a constituent's email to me about hearing about residential burglaries in the east side, I am posting Commander Lisa Lope...
-
Long Beach Police Department (California) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Schipske to Propose Using the $500,000 Approved by Council for...
-
While I was away on my first major vacation in many years, I learned that a public records request was made by the local media on travel exp...
-
I want to thank my colleagues for bringing this item forward. Certainly, no one on this council or the Mayor is opposed to Economic Develop...
-
Mud Swamp to Paved Alley. Construction is going to start on May 3, 2010 and will be completed on May 27, 2010 according contractor's (Su...
-
Don't know about you. But I am running into more and more people lately with seriously allergies and coughs. People are complaining abou...
-
For those of you who really value the truth, you need to know that some of the press coverage over the issue to name a space on 3rd and Prom...
-
State Senator Alan Lowenthal released a report from the State concerning the planned realignment of adult offenders back into local commu...
-
You are invited to come behind the scenes with me on Jan 11 to see how Long Beach converts your trash into electricity. Click here to s...
-
Click on the following link to read the latest on the funding for the summer Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts. http://www.scribd.com/do...