Here is a conversation (podcast) with Benicia Vice Mayor Tom Campbell. He has been instrumental in achieving the approval of a campaign finance ordinance by the Benicia CA City Council. Perhaps, we in Vallejo can learn from our smaller neighbor and work to limit the influence of special interests on our elections. Recorded from a telephone interview this morning...so the audio is unfortunately "telephonic", but the information is very good ! 26 minutes
Vallejo Councilmember Michael Wilson Reveals all in Shocking Interview
Exclusive tell all interview with Michael Wilson--6/24/09 from Marc Garman on Vimeo.
Budget Passed By Council
Pink Slips Set to Fly
6/24/09
By Marc Garman
After a multi-month long decathalon of endurance, Vallejo's City Council finally approved a budget. The deck chairs had been arranged as many times as possible. The inevitable moment arrived.
While there is a sense of relief, there is certainly no great joy here.Sixteen police officers will be facing layoffs, as well as 5 non-sworn personnel. A total reduction of 26 general fund positions is expected by October 1. Vallejo will still face a deficit of $550,000 after all the cuts. But only in the best case scenario.
The City may have to contend with additional take-backs from the state. The state legislature is currently considering keeping 100% of the gasoline tax money Vallejo currently receives. This, in addition to the likelihood of the UUT (Utility Users Tax) being voted down in November could result in a $7 plus million hole in next year's budget. If you think this year has been rough, wait until next year.
You've seen it all before...now you can see it all again at tonight's Vallejo City Council meeting. Thrill to every buttock numbing moment as finance director Rob Stout boogies with deficit numbers that just keep getting bigger and bigger !!!
Will the council majority make a decision? Or will this escalating jive extravaganza just keep going ?
Be there tonight. Vallejo City Council Chambers 7 PM
Just think of it as Groundhog Day with a Mirrored Ball !!!
