Values of the City of Coral Gables

April 15, 2011 Leave a comment

Today I was reminded by the program handout the Investiture Ceremony of the essential list our city government’s values.

They are:

Accessibility

Accountability

Competency

Dedication

Innovation

Integrity

Loyalty

Responsiveness

Missing, I think, are Community Participation, Transparency and Openness.

Filed under Community, Coral Gables, Government

Please, Mr. Kerdyk, No More Spending

April 15, 2011 Leave a comment

I sincerely wish that Mr. Kerdyk at his investiture this morning had not listed his spending priorities, including purchasing more green space. While green space is a highly laudable and good priority with which I agree, we should start by fixing our financial problems, avoiding more taxes, fixing pensions, etc. (we know the list), before we start spending money on green space or even Miracle Mile. Borrowing money, even at a low rate, still has to be repaid by future generations of taxpayers.

Filed under Budget, Coral Gables, Finance

(Repeated) A City Agenda For Coral Gables

April 15, 2011 Leave a comment

This is the list of issues, problems and ideas that might form part of an Agenda for the City of Coral Gables.

Prepare and discuss an overall NEW AGENDA for the City of Coral Gables to face the major pending problems, such as unfunded benefits, taxation, staffing and organization;
City Manager should routinely report to taxpayers progress on the budget and organizational changes;
The city needs a new Code of Ethics;
Change the election dates for Coral Gables to coincide with national and state elections.
Prepare and publicly discussion a long-range financial plan for the City of Coral Gables
Target a freeze and/or reduce actual amount of taxes paid by citizens (not millage rates) during the next three years;
Accelerate a plan of reducing pensions and health benefits, especially for firefighters and police;
Prepare a plan and publicly discuss how to reduce unfunded pension liabilities during the next five years;
Have a community town hall meeting at least twice a year to discuss the budget and other current issues;
Develop a realistic and flexible agreement with the Biltmore that protects the taxpayers not just now, but in the coming years;
Undertake a review of financial mechanisms and the defective EDEN system to establish a modern, functional accounting of spending and revenues.