The Poor Ignored

Are there poor in Coral Gables–since they are not mentioned the presumption is that there are none.  Politics described herenot unlike that observed in South Florida.

Much of America is in a nasty mood, and the language of compassion has more or less been abandoned. Both political parties serve their rich campaign contributors, while proclaiming that they defend the middle class.  Neither party even mentions the poor, who now officially make up 15% of the population but in fact are even more numerous, when we count all those households struggling with health care, housing, jobs, and other needs.

Income inequality is at historic highs, but the rich claim that they have no responsibility to the rest of society. They refuse to come to the aid of the destitute, and defend tax cuts at every opportunity. Almost everybody complains, almost everybody aggressively defends their own narrow and short-term interests, and almost everybody abandons any pretense of looking ahead or addressing the needs of others.

via America’s Deepening Moral Crisis – Project Syndicate.

Get One More Vote for the Budget

Yesterday’s vote on the millage rate (Yes:  Mayor Slesnick, Commissioners Anderson and Withers; No: Commissioners Cabrera and Kerdyk) indicate that what taxpayers need is one more vote–commissioner or mayor willing to fight for the taxpayers and freeze taxes for a significant period of time.

Vague talk by candidates for office on “balanced” spending and taxes, and unnecessary and extravagant capital projects should raise doubts of their qualifications for office.

What’s Next After the 2010-2011 Budget Approval

After the approval of the 2010-2011 City of Coral Gables Budget, we might ask what are major tasks the city manager and the city commissioners should undertake to avoid continuing property tax increases.

I would think the city needs the following:

  • Make further cuts in pensions, health benefits and salaries of all employees during the next year, especially for firefighters and police;
  • Reduce the number of firefighters and police, if they do not accept substantial salary and benefit reductions;
  • In light of the city manager’s recent comments about working for the future, the city should develop, discuss and publish a long-term financial plan, approved by the Commission and discussed by taxpayers in an open forum;
  • Continue evaluating senior and middle management and a process of “rightsizing” city government;  and
  • Delay major capital projects for three to five years, depending on the recuperation of the local economy.

What else do you suggest.

Mayor’s Comments on Openness and Civility

During the 2nd Budget Hearing, the Mayor defended the City of Coral Gables as an open and accessible government .  He also indicated the importance of maintaining a high level of civility and tolerance of others.  These are serious standards of political dialogue and conversation in our community that are best adopted by us all.