Default Site Weblog Default Site Weblog: 2008-06-30T23:09:09Z Copyright (c) 2008, Gary Davis ExpressionEngine tag:capitalelector.com,2008:06:30 Independence and Cityhood! tag:capitalelector.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.89 2008-06-30T21:29:00Z 2008-06-30T23:09:09Z Gary Davis garydavis@capitalelector.com This week, the United States of America celebrates 232 years of independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and Elk Grove celebrates eight years of cityhood and local control. Both of which are fantastic reasons to celebrate and reflect.

We should celebrate our rich diversity and an optimistic future and reflect on our heritage. For, it is through this celebration and reflection, that we will become a stronger community and nation.

I hope we all take the time to walk in a parade, barbecue a burger, gather with family, run a 5k , or meet at Elk Grove park for a spectacular fireworks show .

It is in this spirit of family and community, by which we will become a stronger Elk Grove and a better United States of America.

{extended} ]]> Budget Talk tag:capitalelector.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.31 2008-05-23T16:29:00Z 2008-05-23T16:30:23Z {email} There is no easy answer to solving the continue budget diffficulties facing the City of Lodi.  So long as the state of California continues to take from local governments to balance their budget, Lodi will see dollar shortages.  Our sales tax revenue is flat and our growth is limited. 

We each have a budget at home and we all know what happens when out our personal income is decreased.  We have to slow down our spending or look for more work.  As a result, things change in the refrigerator.  We have to decide what can be eliminated and, sometimes, there has to be tough choices.  We have to ask ourselves what we can live without.

As your city council person I will take a hard look at each line item, and ask each department head what he or she can live without.  The city currently forecasts their payroll at the highest classification plan: all using “step E”.  We should take a look at alternative forms of budgeting and see if we can get a more realistic outlook.

Might we just require each department to cut their budget by 2%?  Or maybe it is time for efficiency studies.  I am not implying that our employees are doing anything wrong; however, have others cities found ways to provide quality city services while still compensating their people and saving monies too.  Our Department Heads may learn something now by sharing information.

Maybe it is time to ask the utility company to buck up.  Ask them to economize so that council can increase in-leiu transfers without placing additional burden on the ratepayers.

Another area to look for savings might be debt consolidation.  Is there potential interest saving on our certificates of participation?  With my many years of accounting experience, these are just some of the questions I have asked.

The city of Lodi has a great future, and together we will find an answer to this difficult problem.  And as my family has enjoyed for the past 76 years, Lodi and its citizen will continue to have quality public safety and city services for generations to come. 

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