By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper
Last week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria presented his Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. A summary highlight is presented starting on the front page of this issue. This budget contains a $473 million increase over last year with millions of dollars of cuts in order to balance it by final passage of the City Council. The issue for you and me as citizens is what will we say about where the cuts should be made to balance this budget.
One of the key steps in balancing the budget involves public input which will come in the form of a number of hearings and opportunities to object to some cuts or offer alternatives. Too often in the past, those who will be hurt the most are the least active in the speak up and speak out process. This year must be different. While the Mayor has expressed the protection of libraries, parks and recreation and the fight for more homeless shelters, cuts in some other areas important to community interest, such as citywide WiFi are on the chopping block.
The total budget is over 1500 pages, available on the internet and often available in libraries. This process will be completed by June so the time to look at the whole document is now.
Perhaps you can form small groups that will look at specific areas. You should also make sure that those who speak out on these cuts are themselves registered voters because those are the only opinions that really count. Above all, be prepared to talk to at least 5 members of the City Council because it takes five votes to make a change and don’t forget the Mayor is up for reelection in November as well.
This budget is bigger than personal interest, so many voices will be heard. The question is, will your voice and concerns be among them?
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