Joe wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:39 PM:I htink the City Council should look into the way the Arts Center is run, maybe they could get a private enterprise company to run it, have concerts and activities that would reflect all of Escondido. The Center is a very lovely place but it needs to stand on its own, not being paid for by the city to the tune of 1.5 million a year!

Save EPD wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:45 PM:Please don't cut the police force.

Layoffs wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:13 PM:I though there was an article about 10 layoffs of art center staff - weren't they city employees?

Dont Throw the Baby out withthe Bath Water wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:20 PM:The police dept. in Esc is needed now more than ever. EPD is finally making noticably and significant progress with the war on meth and car theft.
Make the correct staffing eliminations/ cuts at the Arts Center or just close the damn thing altogether. The public deserves full police protection.

Karl wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:24 PM:Kinda' makes the FD election issues look miniscule. They may have to cut deeper.

Floyd wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:44 PM:Sell the arts center to eliminate a million-dollar budget drain! Dump excess real estate like Stanley Peak! Eliminate regulatory burdens that are chasing business away! Get rid of the department of Geographic Information Systems (you can gets maps from the Auto Club, Barnes & Noble, or Google)! We don't need a department of Passport Services (you can get them at the Post Office)! Cancel the Public Art Program (no need for the city to mastermind that activity)! Eliminate the Planning Department to save money and divest oaurselves of the smart growth nonsense (the department of Engineering Services does plan review when people get a permit to build, so public health and safety won't be jeopardized)! When making budget decisions, it is necessary to preserve core functions like police and fire services and eliminate the nice-to-have stuff like city-funded arts & culture, unused property, or duplicate activities.

Escondeeter wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:48 PM:Kiss Clark goodbye, put a few million of the 18 into helping the La Teraza hotel get built, and dump the rest into the general fund.

You're welcome.

Vader wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:02 PM:How about Clay taking a pay cut? Doesn't he make $225,000? Don't balance the budget on rank and file employees.

dude wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:02 PM:Good idea cut the police department who already isn't staffed properly!!! Then the criminal will roam free and the city will save money cause meth sales will go up.

Mr. Fix It wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:13 PM:Address the problem. Address 98% of the costs. Address the Fat. cut the $6 million plus from staff salaries.

The condor wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:35 PM:Downsize now or face real pain later.
Remember O.C. went B.K.
Benefits totaly out of control.
Retire at 50 to 55 at $100,000 year pensions.
Saliry spiking is all the rage these days.. Old news but worthy

To The City Council wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:39 PM:You people have blown this!!!

This is on you!!

Abed said the city is more prosperous - he ran his re-election on it!

Obviously the city is NOT MORE PROSPEROUS!!

CAN THAT HOTEL DEAL AND GET DOWN TO THE BUSINESS YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO TAKE CARE OF!!!

And who gives a crap about La Terraza right now -

It's sink or swim people!

THIS COUNCIL IS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!

taxpaying voter wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:16 PM:It's always amusing to me that when the city announces budget deficits, city manager Clay Phillips responds by announcing proposed staff cuts and hiring freezes. But nothing is ever suggested about cutting his inflated salary, along with several others at the top of the bureaucracy. Mr. Phillips is part of the problem, with his priority of securing a higher than average salary first, above all else. Cut his salary, then on down the chain of command. Better still, cut him out, altogether along with city attorney Jeff InEppness. That would be the best place to start.

A few thoughts wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:27 PM:When they start asking voluntary pay cuts will the city manager and attorney be first in line? How about car allowances? Do department heads truly need a car allowance when times are so rough? Instead of hiring back retired employees as contract workers at a VERY high rate of pay how about letting the position stay empty till times are better. And lastly what about the $18 million for the hotel?The developer can not even get financing, so why should we be sitting on that money and letting others suffer during these economic hard times. Yes it would be great for city revenue, but that is when times are good. Right now they are not good and the money should be put to better use. Use only what is needed and continue to save the rest.

welcome wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:59 PM:Welcome to my world Escondido. Pay cuts will sure suck won't they. I know, I've been living it for several months now in order to keep my company alive. Have had to lay off some folks too. Wait til your projections fall short. It will suck even more.

Theotis wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:01 PM:Just take it from the police. Just leave your paws off the performing arts center.

What we need wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:07 PM:Is a public forum. There should be public hearings scheduled to take feed back from those of us who will be impacted. Police, Fire and public works come first. Libraries and parks come second. Hotels, Arts Centers, and bogus city departments that basically just employ people can and will just have to wait. Open a Wal-Mart supercenter and watch the revenues start to flow!!

To a few thoughts wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:21 PM:When yanking cars away, dont forget to take them away from the PD as well.

To Karl wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:48 PM:The FD election issues WERE miniscule. Nobody had been cut. That could change now.

No Problemo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:50 PM:Stall the decision until January. Olga will have it all solved by then. She promised.

Fool on the Hill wrote on Nov 14, 2008 4:09 AM:I will protest all future events in Grape Day Park unless I can be assured that I can stand in a muddy bog! Shine the light inward. The city seems to be run by incompetants. How embarrassing!

Local wrote on Nov 14, 2008 4:16 AM:These questions are LONG overdue and will serve to separate the sheep from the lambs. The city needs to clean house and I will submit my humble yet informed recommendations. We, the volunteers and longtimers will still be here after the grifters have scattered.

Jsten wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:49 AM:But the cops still get to take their cars home right?

Brad wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:10 AM:We hear over and over again...it's federal problem!

Guess what? Now it's the city of Escondido's problem!

Randy wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:35 AM:The City Council tried every trick in the book to make Latinos feel unwelcome in Escondido. The City Council's success has resulted in Latinos leaving Escondido in droves. A natural consequence of this policy is that the City of Escondido now faces a budget shortfall. The City Council sown the wind and scattered the chickens. It's no use crying now over milk the City Council intentionally spilled.

Brad wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:56 AM:They let idiots vote!

Randy is saying..... wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:08 AM:...the Latinos have left in droves?? You got to be kidding. I am not seeing any shortage!

Scooter wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:17 AM:Hey Randy, I don't think they ran out the Latinos (how racist of you to suggest that!), they just tried to get a handle on the illegal aliens (of which the majority happens to be "Latino"). It's called upholding the law.

Since we're on the subject (thank you Randy), how 'bout we cut out all the freebies that the illegals get (free lunches, use of E/R with no insurance, teachers having to hold up classes to teach ESL students, etc.) that are a huge drain on the City, as well as the Country?

Wow, that was easy.

Gotta tell you Randy wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:22 AM:I havent noticed a big shortage either.

Disgusted wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:26 AM:Turning this city into a crime ridden, grafittied, browm grass eyesore is not the answer. We have made real progress. Lets not go backwards.
I'm sure the City owns property it can sell and for heavens sake close the Arts Center and stop paying for businesses to build here.

To what wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:30 AM:Great idea! In fact, it's such a great idea that the city's been doing it for decades. They're called budget hearings. The meetings of the budget committee, like the one this article is about, are open to the public. I was one of the two members of the public who showed up for this one.

Any final adjustments to the budget are made at full Council meetings, with notice given to the public five days in advance. Public comment is welcome.

In the meantime, the individuals quoted in the above article all have e-mail addresses and they all read their e-mail, feel free to offer your suggestions.

The budget process is open and public, the problem is that the public usually can't be bothered to show up.

To Disgusted wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:37 AM:About the only portion of revenue the city has any impact on is sales tax revenue. That sales tax comes from the businesses that locate here. Cities compete for those sales tax producing businesses. Letting them go elsewhere would put us further in the hole.

Gas wasters wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:48 AM:I agree, don't cut the number of cops on the street. But they can surely stop using tax payer money to drive the cop cars home. This free gas to and from work is not a negotiated benefit!

Wait a Minute wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:50 AM:You Obama voters, isn't this why you voted for him? He will solve everything!

WHAT wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:06 AM:IF YOU ASK ME THE MAYAOR AND OUR CITY COUNCIL ARE WAY OVERPAID.......HOW ABOUT RESTRUCTURING THEIR SALARIES TO REFLECT THE ACTUAL WORK THEY DO.....HEY BETCHA THAT MIGHT HELP CLOSE THE GAP ON THE 6MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT.....

Bill wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:14 AM:Can someone please tell me why the city has not dumped the hotel project?? There is 18 million of city dollars sitting there and they keep extending the deadline for the developer to get his financing. So you are going to put taxpayers safety in jeopardy and many employees family in despair for a hotel that will flop.....What are they smoking over at city hall?? This is ridiculous...It is time to move out of esco..

No public employees unions wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:20 AM:This shortfall could probably be dealt with very easily - break the public employees unions. No more firemen making $100K/yr with 80% pay for life when they retire at 50. No more teachers being hired back for $500/day for short-term jobs, after they have retired. I am convinced these people live in a bubble - just look at them protesting that their pay and benefits are not being increased! Fine, if you don't like what you're being offered, find another job. Try working in the private sector, where you can lose your job for being lazy and rude, and where you have to contribute more every year for your health insurance. You are not OWED ANYTHING, just because you take up space on the planet. Get over it. The rest of us are sick unto death of your whining!

City Employee wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:37 AM:I am a city employee that faces layoffs and I am outraged that I'm going to be asked to take a pay cut IF I even survive the layoffs. Pay cuts better start with senior management who gave themselves raises and promoted incompetent people into high positions right before this recession surfaced. Also, people who got promoted in recent years should be first. They are the ones that need to take the pay cuts, not the rank and file who have been UNDERPAID for years. Yes, people like me fit in that category. I've given a lot to this city and it hasn't given me much back, so if I'm asked to take any paycut I will be putting in my two weeks notice. Nice country we have here. A bunch of old boys on Wall Street get greedy and make millions on bad mortgage backed securities so now innocent middle class folks lose their jobs and are asked to take pay cuts. Great country we have here. Now, the old boys at Escondido start their posturing to save their jobs. Gotta love it......

Sickened wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:47 AM:I have to agree with Jsten and Disgusted! This flipping city needs to get it's priorities straight!

We're already a crime ridden, roach infested city with crack addicts, prostitutes, and thugs roaming the streets at night. Laying off 19 police officers? Are they out of their minds? If anything has to be cut with the police force, how about having the officers leave their cruisers at the city yard after every shift instead of taking them home? I read about one officer living in the city of Riverside!

And yes, what about the Art's Center? Granted, the arts is a good thing, but in times like these, art wont stave off a bullet in the back, nor will it curb the ever growing drinking and drugged homeless population, who set up camp in the parks and roam the streets. Escondido will have art alright! In the form of increased graffiti and taggings along every wall, fence, sidewalk and street lamp. I could go on but wont.

I too, am a small business owner in Escondido. My business is "supposedly" in a good area of town. Pfffffffffffffffffffffffftttt! I've LOST business because of the crime here. One of my customers was
accosted by some -wanna-be-gang-banger-thug, and I've had homeless people left and right loitering outside of our office door. Not to mention a prostitute doing business in our drive way! Unfortunately for us, we're locked in a lease until spring time. Until then, we're stuck. We WILL be moving to another city. Escondido city leaders cannot for whatever reason get their act together.

Pfeiler and Daniels wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:12 AM:are willing to cut police! Wow. Don't blame the whole council for this. Only Pfeiler and Daniels are on the committee and the whole council has not spoken.

contract out wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:13 AM:encourage local businesses to create more jobs by 'outsourcing' some of this stuff. Instead of taxpayer money leaking out for the fluff depts, let a private company take care of that. It generates sales tax revenue and relieves the cost burden from the city. Any jobs lost to city workers may be offset by the new ones created. BUT, it would probably take 1/2 the manpower for a private company to do the same work.

kb wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:14 AM:Stop watering the road medians and let the farmers use it for growing food.

Resident wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:19 AM:Stop Paying the proeprty Taxes and the City will go bankrupt. Maybe a venture capitalist can then buy the city and make it a nice palce.

Solution Guy wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:38 AM:Relax! Olga is going to fix everything. She will waive her wand and magically everything will get better.

We Need wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:40 AM:Palin to take over Escondido. She would get it fixed.

Realax people wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:25 AM:I just spoke to the assistant secretary for the budget director's adjunct finance director. He said the mayor's undersecretary for economic development is in contact with the city manager's assistant to the budget director.
They are working feverishly on a solution to present to the oversight committee for budget overruns.

senior wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:33 AM:First, Escondido is not in an economic downturn all by itself. This is not only nation wide but world wide. When your pay gets cut (sales tax revenue and property taxes) you have to make adjustments. Just as in your own home if your pay is less you must spend less and this is what the city is doing. But alas, we have a new councilmember who has a degree in accounting and according to her campaign promises she will find the answers. So to all you naysayers badmouthing Escondido look at the bright side, our savior is here. Some more good news is the private fire company leasing an old firestation. Hmmm, the beginning of privatization, I like it. DO NOT cut the police...period.

Big Picture wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:38 AM:Repeal Prop S. It has stifled and stagnated the city! Prop S locked Escondido in time. Times change - and Escondido can't with Prop S.

Less than 10% of one year's operating reserves is pathetic.

Give the electeds the tools to get out of this. Repeal Prop S - now.

AResident wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:47 AM:"and scaling back the city's recent campaign against graffiti and illegal garage conversions"

"Eliminating the city's code compliance campaign would save $600,000 this year and $765,000 in a full year".
"Recent business closures have worsened the problem, he said. The city will lose an estimated $400,000 in sales tax revenue this year from the closures of Mervyns, Circuit City, Witt Lincoln-Mercury and Budget used car sales".

"In addition to a nearly $2 million projected drop in sales tax revenue, the city is projecting an $873,000 drop in property tax revenue, a $243,000 dip in hotel tax revenue and a $356,000 decrease in revenue from business licenses".

Let's see here. They should start by cutting half of the City employees that work for the Water dept. My neighbor used to be in that group. He spent some days just driving a city truck around town to look busy.

graffiti and illegal garage conversions should be top priority. This town is looking more and more like a town south of here.

People are not spending money in Escondido anymore. They do not like what our City Council has done to the city.

Business licenses revenue? What about all the landscape businesses in this town? Don't tell me they haven't made them pay for their licenses's? Please set up a check point all over town. You could collect about $500K annually. Where are your brains? Trying to buy the Swap Meet?

JP wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:49 AM:I have an asnwer that will solve everything, plus it would leave Escondido in the Black. Contract out with the San Diego Sheriff. No Brainer. The city would pay probably 12-15 million a year on Sheriff services. The EPD currently costs the city in the neighborhood of 32.9 million right now. BOOM, problem solved and decent police protection at less than 50% is implemented.

Craig wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:49 AM:As an attorney I have witnessed first hand improper and illegal activity by the City on numerous occasions. (Red light program is still run illegally, in violation of contract and State Law) I anticipate that as times get tighter improper activity by the City will only increase. Citizens AND News Organizations have an obligation to shine a light on mismanagement and improper activities. Questionable City practices are NOT being exposed as they should be.

AResident wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:50 AM:Get the parents to pay for the Graffiti removal. Start getting rid of the Gangs in this town if you want things to come back to life.

Come on City Council. Isn't it time for all of you to wake up to what the real problem is. Before long this town won't need a city council.

DOH wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:06 AM:Exactly what *GAG* said in Oct 08.

Exactly what Jerry Lenhard's ad showed .

Exactly what Olga's supporters posted more than once.

Oct 08 we are 4 months into this fiscal year and projecting a $5MILLION DEFICIT for one department.....

over 14000 people wasted their votes on ABED.........what a bunch of lollipops!

remember this for the next election....

"When someone shows you who they really are....believe it." Oprah

Been there wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:30 AM:Treat it like a business. Start by trimming the fat....

grj wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:46 AM:cutting police should never be an issue. Coming up with ways to generate more business sales tax through business incentives would be helpful.The crime need to be cleaned up and cutting police will not help that.Cut jobs in other areas. I hate to hear all this arts center bashing. The art center brings some art and culture and class to an area that is becoming the illegal alien capital of the county. I agree with poster no free services for illegal, the rest of us here legally don't get free services.

enough wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:52 AM:Scooter you have the ideas. Also the council with their cars and high money. Paid for by us. Need to cut their salaries in half. For doing nothing. First..... Keep the police first. Something we need to keep in this town. Safety for the people who pay your wages council.

Report Estimates Countys Illegal Immigrant Cost at 256 MILLION in 2006 wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:21 PM:http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/09/08/news/top_stories/19_46_779_7_07.txt

Fire Marshall Fred wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:31 PM:I guess we won't be getting any more polished Alcoa wheels for our firetrucks! Maybe we could do one of those controlled burns on the stupid arts center - would get rid of an eyesore, as well as saving some tax money from the financial supplements!

AResident wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:31 PM:Has any Council member ever watched other city workers not doing their jobs? Start by cutting your wages by 15%. A good majority of your workers really do nothing all day. You don't need this many. Get rid of the lazy ones and keep the good ones. Take all managers and turn them into working managers.

If they can't manage with 20% less in their budget, get someone who can.

Get rid of the General fund. This is no more than a hiding place for money that does not have to be accounted for.

Hey Randy wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:35 PM:Stay off the cheap wine! You're dillusional.
I and thousands of other tax paying LEGAL citizens wish they were leaving in droves.

To the Pfeiler and Daniels poster wrote on Nov 14, 2008 1:15 PM:Gosh, I must not have gotten a full copy of the NC Times; I didn't see thing in my copy of the paper that said the budget committee members made any decisions regarding police and fire. They reviewed the situation, said all options had to be open (despite the charges that they're closed-minded) and asked the city staff to come back with possibilities. Cutting police or fire budgets doesn't necessarily affect the number of cops or firefighters who respond to calls -- there are programs and other internal resources -- to look at without impacting response times or safety. Keep an open mind, poster, just as you expect others to.

Pink Power Ranger wrote on Nov 14, 2008 1:56 PM::::knuckle bump:::

DOH at11:06AM

Pink ;p

To Big Picture wrote on Nov 14, 2008 2:16 PM:I am a supporter of Prop S. If you want to change my mind please explain how this Proposition has stifled Escondido as you say it has.(And please be specific) I have read it and all it does is reinforce the current General Plan. In accordance with the Prop, if you want to build a project that is of higher density than that which is called out in the General Plan, it has to go to a vote of the Citizens. I have seen plenty of residential development in Escondido and there is more than enough commerical space and property for anyone in line to come to this City. So again, if you want to sell that idea, back it up.

City on a Mission Escondido looks for ways to create community bonds in central neighborhood wrote on Nov 14, 2008 2:44 PM:Over the last seven years, Escondido has funneled nearly $9.2 MILLION into housing assistance, language, child care and other programs in the neighborhood.

In all, 16,500 people ---- nearly 12 percent of the city's total population ---- are squeezed into the 1 1/2-square-mile area bordered by Lincoln Avenue, Ash Street and Valley and Centre City parkways.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/07/02/news/inland/20_03_527_1_06.txt

Billy Club wrote on Nov 14, 2008 2:49 PM:Police cuts,let's start with Eric Skaja.
He fell for Abed & Gallo's Public Safety first line.
How many Officers will think it was a good decision to endorse Gallo & Abed now?
$18 million saved for a hotel we have no need of.While we let police officers go.That's some safety there ::chortle::
too bad it's not really a joke.

Larry wrote on Nov 14, 2008 3:10 PM:I think it's time for the citizens of Escondido to "Man Up" and accept the fact they need to pay more for Public Safety services. The brave souls of EPD and EFD put their lives on the line every day. I would propose a 2%-3% sales tax increase to pay for these fine men and women. You think they're overpaid? Deal with it! Unless you're risking your life everyday you go to work, you don't know what it's like. So what if they have a few extra perks and make more in retirement than at work. They deserve every nickel they get and then some. Until you've walked a day in their shoes, you'll never know how underpaid they are.

My 2 Cents wrote on Nov 14, 2008 3:31 PM:Comment to Floyd- All I can say to you is that I'm glad you're not running the City. Great ideas! Geez!!
To the ones that blame the Council - Look around. The bad economy is not isolated to Escondido. Yeah, it's the Council's fault, has nothing to do with the state of economy nationwide.
And to the kunckle head who suggested cutting Clay's salary - you should be thankful he is our City Manager. He's got more sense than you will ever realize. If anyone can make the right decisions for Escondido now, it's him.
I keep telling myself not to read the blogs, every time I do I lose more faith in the human race. Come on people!

Pinocchio wrote on Nov 14, 2008 4:13 PM:Anyone who made a promise not to make cuts was lying through their teeth. Watch them hang themselves as well as the noses to grow over the lies... If PD takes cuts, so should everyone else. Beginning with city council and all upper management employed here. Cuts don't start at the bottom, they begin at the top!!

well wrote on Nov 14, 2008 4:20 PM:Maybe we need to leave those two seats on the council empty period. Instead of dragging down the budget more. That way we can afford the police. Maybe too much cash went to Mission Park,

grj wrote on Nov 14, 2008 4:28 PM:Larry:Great post sticking up for police and fire depts. They deserve to be paid more and then some. As far as driving cars home as they are on call anyway, not a big deal. Cutting police not a good idea.Cutting crime and illegals, agood idea.

Floyd wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:18 PM:The city's top priority is public safety (police & fire, most notably). Everything else is expendable. If you think maps or smart growth is more important than public safety, I'd be grateful if you weren't working for my city either.

Good Thing wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:38 PM:Good Thing the city's pro-developer council continuously gave fee breaks and fee freezes and cash breaks to residential developers over the last four years.

See how well that is working out for Escondido. NOT.

Inquiring Minds wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:41 PM:Inquiring Minds...want to KNOW:

When does the city have $18.9 million dollars to give to a developer to build a hotel

BUT

Does not have the money to ensure we have enough police and fire personnel?

ANSWER: When our council does not have their priorities straight!

Wake Up wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:52 PM:This is a nation wide problem. Those of you that think one council member caused it are not thnking clearly. It is called sales tax people. I like Olga but she cannot fix this problem unless she decides to buy 1,000 brand new cars in Escondido. I do agree the hotel project needs to be axed. And for those of you who want the Sheriff instead of police, they are farther in debt than we are.

Inquiring Minds wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:09 PM:Inquiring Minds...want to KNOW:

Why 9.2 Million Dollars has been funneled in to the Mission Park neighborhood.

Is that the "norm" for all neighborhoods in Escondido. What makes this area so different. And why do taxpayers have to pay for programs to teach people how to speak English? Where do I sign up for free day care. Is free medical available also?

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/07/02/news/inland/20_03_527_1_06.txt

Awake wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:15 PM:Everyone knows that the Nation is suffering from some serious financial problems.

BUT...

Escondido's problems started WAY before the nation's problems started.

Example: The city council wasted more than 1.5 years trying to write a parking ordinance that could withstand a legal challenge (they have yet to present a final ordinance)...INSTEAD of wasting this time & money on parking, the council should have had their employees looking for ways to bring in business to our city!!!

Rather than adding new businesses to our stock, over the last three years many, many businesses have left - and that was BEFORE the nation's financial meltdown!

So...I do blame this council - because their priorities have not been straight!

Another example: fee breaks to residential developers.

Skip wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:25 PM:Escondido has the distinction of supporting a large group of people who simply do not pay taxes, due to low incomes, or legal residency status.

Why do you think so many people are fed up with the uncontrolled import of poverty into the United States. The same reason a lot of people are afraid of overly liberal socialist Democrats.

The Council wrote on Nov 14, 2008 7:26 PM:The City Council needs to cough up half of their shocking gas allowance allotment!

The City Council gets $9,000/yr for gas allowance.

The IRS reimburses each mile @ 58.5 cents a mile. Our council doesn't file for reiumbursement, they get a flat rate.

Anyway, at 58.5 cents a mile, each council member would have to drive approximately 15,385 miles a year.

None of our council drives that many miles for city business!

Cough up half your allowance - Council - you are not Sacred Cows, either!!!

geez wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:35 PM:New rule-Anyone who quotes Oprah is longer eligible to post comments.

TO Awake wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:46 PM:Short Answer: Foreign nationals

Parking Problems: Foreign Nationals living 27 people to a house

Over-crowding Issues: Foreign Nationals living 27 people to an apartment or house

Over-Crowded Schools: Foreign Nationals having children at two or three times the rate of American Citizens

Low Performing Schools: Foreign Nationals who do not speak English or teach their children English

Gang Infestation Problems: Predominantly Foreign Nationals or their offspring

Driving Safety (Especially Hit and Run) : Yup You Guessed It, Foreign Nationals who are not Licensed and Insured

The list goes on and on .........

NYHICA wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:33 PM:Outside of what the City needs to sensibly do to sensibly turn Escondido into a safer and healthier community for us all, why not consider turning such perks and services as the Library's and Dog Park into small fee / volunteer programs? This way we can keep our needed resourses open by we the citizens taking on some financial responsiblily.

I am disabled and on a fixed income with no savings and would not at all mind paying a $5.00 a month fee for such services. It all adds up! Do the math.5nhwd

To Awake... wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:19 PM:Yawn. Boring. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Snore.

TOLD YOU SO wrote on Nov 15, 2008 6:43 AM:HOW ABOUT AXING THE SUBSIDY TO THE ARTS CENTER? THAT WOULD SAVE ABOUT $3,000,000.00 A YEAR.

HOW DID THE CITY MANAGERS (STAFF & COUNDIL) GET THE CITY INTO THE FINANCIAL MESS AT THE CENTER?

WHO ALLOWED THE CITY TO START PAYING ALL OF THE BILLS?

FIRE/DON'T RE-ELECT THEM!!!

to fire marshall fred wrote on Nov 15, 2008 10:08 AM:as a mechanic, I've seen you make then same wrong comment multiple times. The alloy wheels cost less then the steel rims. the other benefit to them is that they keep the brakes cooler thus saving the brakes. That in turn keeps the cost down on maintenance. lower the retirement costs!

George wrote on Nov 15, 2008 10:09 AM:Get rid of the broadcast of the City Counci. Meetings. No one watches them. That would save $100,000 dollars. Money could be used in other places!

DOH TO wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:06 AM:My 2 cents at 3:31PM...sounds as delusional as Abed.

geez at 9:35PM ...the truth stings those that don't practice it.

Larry at 3:10 PM...surely cannot be the same Larry that has posted for a month, "Police don't work they hang out at donut shops?" if it is , what changed your tune?

ME....if I can have a nice six pack like the Cops I see from eating donuts....I'm on my way to Dunkin Donuts...

Billy Club 2:49PM ... HIGH 5

Save Police & Fire.....
throw out bad mismanagers....begin with Phillips & Epp!

YEP wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:11 AM:Fire Skaja!
He endorsed Gallo & Abed.
Now our jobs are in jeopardy.
Police are now feeling used and abused.
Skaja did make us look like nitwits!

FIRE SKAJA!

januaryM wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:13 AM:Sacrifice no police or firefighters.


Cut the fat at the City.Starting with Managers who mismanage.
I had a neighbor that worked in one of the City Departments.She often wasn't at work.When I asked her why she wasn't working she said,"the City pays me to volunteer in the Community." Then she laughed and said, I don't go to any of community programs and I still get paid.
CUT this type of employee.

"PUBLIC SAFETY IS NON NEGIOTABLE"
-Mike Diaz
the above statement by Mike Diaz is from a NCTimes article.

ROSES wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:30 AM:ROSES
[-] wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:00 PM:to the GAG members who warned the voters that the Council was going to project a huge deficit for 08/09
BEFORE the election.
Raspberries to the voters who re elected Abed

Oct 22 2008 NCT post wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:31 AM:Meter Reader[-] wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:25 PM:

Another point is the City MUST layoff some of it's staff.Before you touch a Cop or a Firefighter begin with the dead weight at City Hall.
No more raises,stipends or "perks"
Off every other Friday was to save energy in the 80's.Today we have another problem
MONEY...some employees have to go and the remainder has to pick up the slack.
Look at the current Retirement Plan.
Can we really pay everyone 75% of their salary when they retire?Plus hire new people and pay them too? IMPOSSIBLE!
Taxpayers...the burden of this is on YOU.WAKE UP. We just need to stop wasting money on other things that are not necessary in these tough times.
This council has not had a good sound workable idea in 16 years.Yes Gallo is 8 years & Abed is 4 years...but this is their watch.Look around.City in ruins.They have shamed us all,nationally. $9.8 million budget deficit.It's only going to get worse.Let's not take this out on our police force...let's find a way to support them by cutting the phat in other departments.
Gallo & Abed...
They have failed us all.
I will vote for Olga Diaz.Why,because she asks the hard questions.Even the ones that will affect her directly good or bad.That is someone who looks out for the good of all not just a few.We may not like the answers...but we can go from here for positive workable solutions.I will also vote for Richard Barron.Why? Because he comes across as someone who can lead us out of this mess with great business acumen.
Meter Reader times up Gallo & Abed!
p.s.EPD...YOU ROCK...let's find a solution to keep you all happy too.

To JanuaryM wrote on Nov 15, 2008 12:01 PM:Did Mike Diaz really say "NEGIOTABLE"? I thought, at least, he knew how to spell.

Before he starts throwing around four syllable words, Mike really ought to review his contract with the city. There's nothing to negotiate, management has absolute discretion on staffing decisions. The reason Vallejo is bankrupt right now is because they gave authority over staffing to the fire union. Hopefully this city never makes that mistake.

To geez wrote on Nov 15, 2008 1:07 PM:geez
[-] wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:35 PM:New rule-Anyone who quotes Oprah is longer eligible to post comments.


ATTENTION:
At least DOH can quote Oprah correctly.
YOU can't even type a sentence that is understandable.Don't try and change the rules.Without rules we have anarchy.

the BEATen wrote on Nov 15, 2008 2:12 PM:Maybe Gallo can be a BEAT COP in the Mission area....would he do it for less?

EPO Union endorsed two turkeys!

Pink Power Ranger wrote on Nov 15, 2008 2:26 PM:So you think this won't affect your lifestyle in Escondido?
Wait until the cuts to Public Safety Services are made.YOUR insurance companies ,auto & home owner are going to send you a bill with an INCREASE because we no longer have adequate services available.
ESCONDIDO will be in the
HIGH RISK INDEX.
Negelect of the 100 year old Dam put us in the flood plain....now this...
COURTESEY OF ABED & GALLO'S COUNCIL!

::::: pulling out lining of pockets::::

they have mismanaged millions in tax dollars and now they are mismanaging the money in your wallet and your budget.
YOU should have FIRED them BOTH on Nov 4th

Pink ;p
GAG member

Not as I do... wrote on Nov 15, 2008 6:33 PM:I know of no council member who needs a car for any reason. There is NEVER an emergency for the "council". What? They have a gas allowance? How absurd!! Oh wait if this perk of you status in our community we can do without you and your waste. So buck up and make the rest of us proud...Give it up and drive your own cars. Turn down the gas and fill it up yourself. You are elected by the people to do the right thing. Shame on you. You live here. Support our town and help the economy, don't add to the woe. I didn't elect you to live as an elitist within our community. Walk the walk, talk the talk.

To To January M. wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:12 PM:And will you also blame Vallejo for Escondido's decimal point mistake?

Remember the $90,000 vs the $900,000 3@50 Retirement Plan?

Will you also blame that on Vallejo?

In other words, in your eyes perhaps the city council and the city's management is blameless for our financial deficit/accounting faux pas.

And what have you to say about the $19million dollar give-away to a hotel developer (so that he may build a hotel that noone can afford to stay in...because our economy is MELTING DOWN NATION-WIDE)?

Still waiting for the City to answer that!! Maybe you can lend some insight.

AS A RESIDENT, I WANT TO KNOW:

WHY IS THE CITY APPARANTLY WILLING TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE PUBLIC'S SAFETY (by reducing the number of police officers and inadequately staffing our new firestations) WHEN THEY HAVE $18.9 MILLION IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS THEY COULD USE TO FUND OUR POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS?

WHY IS THE CITY COUNCIL CHOOSING TO FUND A DEVELOPER (WITH $18.9MILLION IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS) TO BUILD A NEW HOTEL, WHEN THEY MAY HAVE TO CUT POLICE OFFICERS AND UNDER-STAFF THE FIRESTATIONS?

Cut the Fat wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:14 PM:Cut the Council's FAT Gas Allowance!

$9,000/yr is way too much!!

p.s. give your pay raises back too - you know the ones that are due to take effect in December!

januaryM wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:23 PM:to the poster at 12:01PM,
who can't use his own name....chicken!
Mike Diaz didn't make the spelling error,I did.Pay attention ,it's says NON
.......................................
"PUBLIC SAFETY IS NON NEGOTIABLE"
-Mike Diaz
the above statement by Mike Diaz is from a NCTimes article
........................................

As it clearly states I took his quote from the Times.I know it's hard for you to comprehend what I am posting since you are ONLY looking for the spelling errors,not the facts.Let's not blame the FIrefighters or the Police.Let's blame the ones who have taken our city to the gutter.....the CITY COUNCIL & STAFF.

bond wrote on Nov 18, 2008 7:41 PM:Clay’s great investment of City money. Give 18 million to a Developer for a hotel.
Revenue from this money would start in the year 2020. According to Clay, from this year on the City is going to get one million a year assuming a 75% hotel occupancy. There is going to be 29 years, yes 11 plus 18 to get our 18 million dollars back and this is under a rosy picture. The market doesn’t see the Hotel as being feasible. Why the Developer can not find financing? Another deal the City is giving to the Developer is the revenue from the meeting rooms at the Center for the Arts. Yes, the only money making at the Center for the Arts is been given to the Developer to use with the hotel.

Pink Power Ranger wrote on Nov 19, 2008 12:59 AM:Please let the hotel deal EXPIRE!
The sooner the better.

bond @ 7:41PM the key word is ASSUMING.

ASSUMING the economy had not tanked.
ASSUMING tourist will flock to the hotel
ASSUMING was what the COUNCIL & STAFF did
when they signed the POWER PLANT deal...they ASSUMED a good income for the City,the power company changed hands(on paper) they refused to honor the original deal & we got screwed ASSUMING.
Have you never hear this
ASSUME NOTHING!
KNOW that this COUNCIL,PHILLIPS & EPP have assumed us into the gutter!
Look around you the proof is every where.

Pink ;p
GAG member

wow wrote on Nov 23, 2008 1:52 PM:Yes council. Time for you to give up the frills. Why do you need cars and gas at our expense? Pay for your own. Part time work doesn't need rewards. After all you all own businesses. Which the taxpayer's don't. Love to have all these incomes and perks.