08/19/02  City Budget and Park Department

Harry Trujillo's article is on the mark! 

Over the weekend, the Dallas Morning News published an article indicating almost half of the announced layoffs citywide were either executive or management.  I understand less than 2 or 3 of the 71 layoffs announced by the Dallas Park & Recreation Dept. were management.

I can't understand how shortsighted our council members could be when it is crystal clear the percentage of management laid off in this department is extremely off the average of all the other departments.

Mr. Trujillo's proposal eliminates 10 mid-management positions, saves over a $500,000 (half a million) in tax dollars and keeps our recreation centers operating without reducing their respective operating schedules.  The Dallas Park & Recreation Dept. needs to go back to the drawing board and do it right!

Is there anyone on the Dallas City Council with enough guts to demand of our city manager to return with a budget cut proposal from the Dallas Park & Rec. Dept. that mirrors that of the rest of the city departments as they relate to cuts in management? Or do these council members relish being used as scapegoats at their budget townhall meetings.

I am not totally against considering a tax increase in order to maintain our services but I know a snow job when I see one.  This one stinks.