Mike Rawlings on Budget & Economy

Use recession to make city government smaller & efficient

I believe we can use this economic downturn as an opportunity to re-engineer city government to make it smaller and more efficient, and to change the way we approach tax revenues, budgeting and other financial decisions. If we can emerge from this downturn leaner and stronger, then we will be a better city moving forward. Some of the changes I would propose are:
• Work department-by-department to cut waste and streamline systems to make sure taxpayers get a greater return for each dollar
• Establish budget priorities and ensure that these are funded before dollars go to non-essentials
• Make City Hall more user friendly for small businesses and developers by reducing development and permit fees, cutting red tape and requiring quicker decisions and approvals from city departments. I think we can not only protect, but also improve, city services without raising taxes.
• I would reduce spending in every city department except for Police and Economic Development.

"No Mas": Eliminate red tape for developers & other waste