Budgets
"Carefully planned growth can be good... The
problem is that the current subsidy system is indiscrimate. It does not
make the distinction between smart growth and the sprawl, between
building neighborhoods and building skyscrapers."
Everything, of course, is impacted by the city’s budget. What do you
perceive are the issues moving forward, from a financial perspective?
These are very unusual times. For the next few years we’re going to
have to be doing business a little differently. I’ve praised the mayor
and the council for making broad cuts and not sparing any particular
area. What that means for the city is we’ll have to do more with our
powers of setting policy and regulation and land use and planning, and
less with programs themselves.
I would look to spare, as much as possible, our long-range planning,
particularly our neighborhood planning and waterfront planning. We
need to make good decisions now because the consequences will be felt
for many years.
The city of Bellingham has faced several budget deficits in the last
year. How would you help shore up the city's budget? What are your
priorities for protection and for cuts?
I compliment the current city administration and council for the
prompt and serious steps that have already been taken to drastically
reduce both near-term expenses as well as longer-term financial
obligations. Like most people, I am hoping that my family and the City
will weather the storm with our current cutbacks, but we must hope for
the best, and plan for the worst.
I have also been glad to see that all departments have participated in
the cut backs and economizing. As we tighten our belt, it becomes even
more important to set our priorities. Over half of our general fund
expenditures go towards basic public safety, and I believe these are
essential services and should be a top priority. After that, I believe
we need to spare programs that are intended for long-term benefits
rather than short-term services. This includes some essential
maintenance and repair functions as well as long-range planning.
Cutting corners on Waterfront and neighborhood planning for instance
could have lasting consequences for the citizens of Bellingham.