Choose, voters!
New taxes or not enough cops & firefighters?
And, let's not hear that to say this is to be guilty of "scare tactics." Or that the voters, 2-to1, said "no" a few years ago.

We need to know whether voters really are comfortable with the reductions in services so far and with the increased  reduction in services contemplated in the recently approved 2008-2009 budget.

Face it, folks. There are no other choices. Ain't no way that Finance Director Don Johnson's best efforts can overcome the unavoidable millions of dollars in shortfalls coming our way. So, as soon as possible after the November 2008 election CITCOM should ask -- on the same ballot -- for votes on two issues:

• A large enough tax increase to cover the shortfalls and to at least maintain current city services.

• An ordinance with which voters can approve specific lower staffing in the public safety departments.* (Either before or at the same time, seek repeal of the charter amendment which mandates Fire Department staffing levels. Under no circumstances propose an ordinance or charter amendment which earmarks either a dollar amount or a millage for Police or Fire.)

If this fails, do as school districts do: Change a word or two, juggle the dollar amounts a bit, and keep coming back to the ballot box until residents make their choices unmistakable..

* Don't leave the voters guessing. Seek approval to cut Police to "45 total staff" or some such.

There, I've given you the general idea. You guys take care of the details. --FJV: 11 Jun 08

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