I’m a little stumped.
I look at the city budget and a few things become clear:

A. The cost for the services the city proved exceeds revenue.
B. We are “borrowing” money to cover the shortfall
C. We can’t do this forever. In fact, we can only go to this well of funds for another 3 year or so, and then we will be able to bask in the glow of bankruptcy.

I have been clear in my approach to this issue:

1. We need to cut, and cut hard, and cut once.
   I am not in favor of “death by a thousand paper cuts.” The current approach give no one in the city any certainty the programs/people/service which are here today will be here tomorrow.
2. Generally, fees for services need to be pulled up to “revenue neutral”
   It makes sense if the city provides $1 of service it should recover $1 from the person requesting the service. There are subsidized services the city offers – but they need to be spelled out and identified for all in the city to see which services, and WHY, we subsidize them.

As a general policy – I don’t want to do layoffs. Sometimes they are a reality you have to face, and I face them in the same fashion as point 1 above: cut hard and cut once.

So why am I stumped? Some would use a few dollars saved through potential reduction in positions to “restore” funding to pet projects. This is bizarre. I cannot and will not support “restoration” of pet projects while the city is engaged in, essentially, deficit spending.

This does lead to a question: With hard work, our fiscal picture will turn around. When we have that first surplus dollar – where should it go?

It should be noted the streak of marathon meetings council has been enjoying of late was broken with Mayor Lewis deftly driving his gavel and adjourning the meeting at just a few moments past 9PM.  Vice Mayor Grassilli was grinning bigger than I have have seen before!

One announcement I made was about the San Carlos/Redwood City/Belmont Leadership Course.  This is a nine-month leadership development program, offered by the Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, provides participants the opportunity for face-to-face meetings and hands-on workshops with experts and key decision-makers from business, government, our health care and educational systems, and the community.

In sessions held one full day per month, September through June participants learn about issues of vital concern to their city, and learn how to effectively shape the future of their community, their organization, or their business.

You can learn more by going to this LINK

I’m getting a number of emails regarding the potential development of property near the railroad tracks on El Camino Real. Thanks to everyone who has written and I want to acknowledge your concerns. All development has impacts and clearly defining them is critical to fully understanding the scope of any project.

One interesting point folks bring up is the thought of “we could do X with the property instead of Y.”

A reminder: the property is not owned by the city and only with the cooperation of property owners will good ideas be brought to life. I encourage all interested parties to open greater dialog and strive for a project benefitting both new and existing neighbors. I’m happy to chat with anyone who has concerns and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Yes, I miss my days with Napster. Among my favorite things on Napster were great concert performances and rare recordings. Recently, I found a terrific place called Wolfgang’s Vault where many amazing live performances have been captured and may be heard with the love and blessing of the artists.

From their site:
Where does it come from? In 2003, Wolfgang’s Vault acquired master recordings from the archives of Bill Graham Presents. These live concerts were recorded at legendary venues like the Fillmore East and Winterland between 1965 and the late 1980s.

Listen and enjoy!!!

Quo vadis is a Latin phrase literally translated as “where are you going?”

Many have asked me my thoughts of the presidential race – I have been clear on the following points:

• At so many levels, the current administration has been a failure
• Partisanship has become shrill
• Party dogma seems to trump diplomacy
• These are sad times in Federal politics.

I take heart in looking at our council – we have a group with strong opinions and are not afraid to respectfully confront our differences. Each of us has been at the end of a 4:1 vote – but we recognize the larger purpose of why we have been elected. We are here to serve.

• Service is something both candidates understand and have demonstrated.
• Both candidates are thinkers and not afraid to step in directions away from dogma of their party.
• I have tremendous respect for each of the candidates

Those points stated – what do I see is the role of the president? First and foremost the White House is the cradle of our best vision for our country. While many will talk of “Washington Gridlock” it is clear the Oval Office sets a direction for the country. Quo vadis is a question we ask the candidates – and we decide by virtue of our votes if the vision and direction is one we wish to follow.

I am enthusiastically supporting Barak Obama‘s candidacy and vision. I believe the vision for our country described by Mr. Obama can be achieved with his leadership. I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.