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2009 will not only bring a new perspective to our nation but also within our local government.
Three of the existing commissioners including the Mayor have reached term limits and will not be returning. I am one of the two that are eligible to return. In the few short years as your commissioner I have questioned many of the management styles of the current administration and with good reason. The Waterworks 2011 was heading towards the billion dollar amount with an initial budget of less than 600 million. The fire bond was seriously mismanaged and had to be down scaled to come within the city’s budget. Pension reform needed to be addressed by controlling the unfunded liability. The budget increased and with that many of the fees charged to taxpayers were increased to offset the increase in spending.
My relentless questioning resulted in new spending practices which brought the waterworks 2011 projects more in line with the budget, as well as the fire bond.
The beginning of the pension reform process started during the union negotiations when I questioned the $250,000,000 unfunded liability and possible savings to the city. I suggested that the city auditor, who was elected by the voters, be involved in the negotiations to strengthen the City’s position. We achieved a compromise that not only saved the city money but also satisfied the unions.
The 2009 budget process will be by far the hardest challenge the new commission will have and the process will begin on day one if we want to make sure we maintain essential services and retain our employees. I have had the experience of three budgets and I know firsthand the difficulties we will face. I also have the strength and knowledge that will be needed to lead the new commissioners through the challenge of a city government budget that will be need to be more fiscally responsible. These are not easy economic times for any government and ours is no exception. The continued use of our reserves to offset the spending practices is a slippery slope and in today’s environment can only lead to disaster. The city budget has doubled over the last few years, spending is out of control. That is why I have voted against the budget and excessive pay increases.
It is my desire to continue to push for more accountability and lead the commission in a new direction. That is why I am running for re-election and asking for your consideration when you vote on February 10, 2009.
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Charlotte TV