Issues


                                                                                                                                                                                 

 My approach to saving your tax dollars will start with how I propose to handle the budget. One of my first jobs as Mayor will be to immediately undertake system-wide performance audits to find waste in government spending, identify highest priority services and make cuts in those programs that aren’t essential.
 

We all believe that the cost of government can be reduced.  The challenge is to lower costs without harming vital services or our quality of life. I will treat your tax dollars as I did my own — with respect for their scarcity and ability to get great value for them.            

 
As a successful businessman, I made decisions that affected my business, employees and customers every day.  Of all the candidates, I alone successfully led a large organization through three recessions, the company emerging stronger each time.     

                                                                                                                                          

As Mayor, I will not use buzzword budgeting techniques, such as “Zero-Based” or “Service-Level” budgeting. As the only experienced businessman, I know that these will not work. Instead, I will put in place a process that is a proven professional model that will effectively engage citizens to get their input on what they value most in our great city. Then, I will consult with appropriate city personnel, at all levels, to gain the benefit of their experience in determining service prioritization. Finally, I will work with City Council to craft an effective lower-cost budget. 

 Some services, such as adding more police to reduce crime, may require more investment, while others can be reduced.  What I will not do is subscribe to general “across the board” cuts. This is a lazy, ineffective way to reduce costs that is only considered by those with little to no experience developing an effective budget.                                                                                                                                               

These difficult economic times will come to an end eventually. As I have done in three recessionary periods, I will work diligently and with experience to position St. Petersburg to become even greater and stronger in the recovery.                  

Posted by: Administrator



Email to a Friend | Comments (8) |

(8) Comments



Posted by: Elliott L Carr, Pinellas Point Woodlands | July 31, 2009
Scott, I'm excited about your approach to managing the city budget. Citizen, staff,and Council, in-put is important , to all stake-holders,while keeping the city safe..Make staff changes so there are no conflicts of interest, when it comes to eliminating departments,services, and personnel. Retire as many as you can and combine duties and responsibilities of those left. Put your first team on the playing field every day..Elliott Carr

Posted by: David LaFever, Coffee Pot | July 30, 2009
I am curious about the fact that no one mentions the unrealized income from traffic violations. I see it all the time, total disregard for all traffic laws. The police do very little about it, and are even a part of the problem. They totally ignore pedestrian crossing and drive right by like everyone else. The only traffic laws they enforce is where they can sit and catch speeders. If they actively enforced all the laws, there wouldn't be a buget problem, less accidents, less of their time spent

Posted by: D. Stewart, Pasadena Estates | July 29, 2009
I agree that we need to get back on track. Just as we, as citizens, have to decide "wants" versus "needs" so should the city. There is no doubt in my mind that there are areas where the "fat" can be trimmed without harming vital services. Each segment will need to be looked at with an eye towards more efficient operation. That's why I think, you as a businessman, may be able to do this. You already have my vote.

Posted by: Frank Pallini, Riviera Bay | July 29, 2009
Realizing that the issue was presumably settled vis-a-vis referendum several years ago, nonetheless, I would like to know how much the tax payers are subsidizing the Albert Whitted Airport, annually. You know, money that could be better spent on law enforcement, parks and recreation and other city-wide service that we all would benefit.

Posted by: Nancy Burgess, Snell Isle | July 25, 2009
I loved paragraph 5! As the CEO of our city you must intellengently and systematically look at the many compartments that make up the whole. The trick is having a council that is business smart too! And if not has faith in your knowledge. Our city council could be your biggest obsticle.

Posted by: Pat Horton, Old NE | July 25, 2009
I agree with your budget methodology. I don't mind paying taxes for what I get even if that means a higher rate of taxes. I'm not someone who wants more, but is not willing to pay for it. I agree with a citywide audit. It doesn't mean massive layoffs. There is a good chance that we have resources that could be better utilized or more fully utilized. You have my vote.

Posted by: Joan Fernandez, 72nd St and 1st Ave | July 24, 2009
ok what i have reas sounds good, however there is a portion of the population of St. Pete you and noother candidate have mentioned the physically challenged. How about fixing some of the twenty-five year old curb cuts, repainting the crosswalks, and repair of the buttons that control the lights for us to cross a street. Needless to say the sidewalks or should I say rollacosters, the sidewalks have not been repaired since hector was a pup.

Posted by: Kurt Petersen, Shore Acres | July 24, 2009
My suggestion regarding your "system-wide performance audits" (which I agree with) - is to have these conducted by objective third parties - not department heads who understandably will try to protect their department's budget and personnel.
    


What do you think?

Name
Email
Neighborhood
Characters Remaining:   
Code Confirmation
Type the character you see