9/30/02 City Council Budget Meeting:

Mary Poss tried to appear VERY smart by opposing the mayor in everything, but she looked like a fool instead.

I never agree with Roy Williams, but his comments were right on target today.  He reminded the council that we can thank Ron Kirk for the mess the city is in.   

May the word get out around the state because Ron Kirk does not need to hold another public office because he left an example of what type of  public servant he is.  We need a senator who is a principled person to represent us in Washington.  

The council kitchen was a hot topic.  This perk has been costing us $50,992 per year.  Councilman Leo Chaney and Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill were the most vocal in the fight to keep this perk.  I was pleased to hear DMPT Loza say now that they all receive a salary they can afford to pay for their meal and the kitchen should be eliminated.  Mayor Laura Miller announced that Marty's has offered to cater their lunches at Wednesday meetings for a year. 

With a question from Councilman James Fantroy, the City Attorney said the meals would be a gift to the city and  council members will not have to report this gift on their reports.   For meetings on other days hot lunches will be replaced by box lunches.   

I was surprised to learn some council members wanted the city to spend $50,000 a year for Substance Abuse Program for Older Adults.  As far as I am concerned, the only reason to have this is to pay someone to run this program.   We do not need this because we are not a social welfare city.   Whatever happened to being responsible and accountable adults once we grow older?  

I believe we are our brother's keeper, but I do not believe in taking care of grown adults who refuse be responsible for their actions. Chaney and Councilwoman Sandy Grayson fought hard for this item.  They said money is needed to hold meetings.  My response -- if such meetings are needed, council members should have town hall meetings where this problem is discussed.  If we are to run a lean city budget, we must eliminate the fat.

Another issue was litter in the parks.  Loza commented on how he had read that someone in his district at times had to clean the bathrooms.   (This was Tim Dickey at Bachman Lake Park).  The council instructed Park Dept. Director Paul Dwyer and City Manager Charles Daniels (Police Dept.) to start enforcement of laws at the parks, particularly no alcoholic beverages.  

Councilwoman Lois Finkleman said a park in her district is cleaned by the neighborhood paying street people.  Time will tell how this problem will be resolved.  

As recommended  by the City Manager, Mayor Miller proposed eliminating the position of Special Asst. to Police Chief Bolton ($95,831) and Executive Asst. Director in Police ($131,032). Both positions are held by minorities.  

I feel for DPD officers because Bolton never fights for his officers .

What happens at City Hall affects all of us.  Therefore, stay informed and remember to vote for good people.  We have no one to blame but ourselves for the type of leadership we have in this town.  

I am very happy that we now have Mayor Laura Miller instead of Ron Kirk.   Mitch Rasansky, who represents my district, is doing a magnificent job as he stands alone at times because he is a man of principles.

              Mary Lou Montes Zijderveld