In a message dated 11/9/2000 3:32:21 PM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< As an experienced observer of Committee process during budget hearings, I
can assure you that this phase of the budget process is not only dry, but
extremely tedious. It would not make for interesting television. For the
most part, staff give generic overviews and answer specific questions from
CM's in attendance, which varies by subject matter and topic. It is mostly
an instructive process, not deliberative. >>
This may be true, but the staff explanations of various programs provide a
degree of understanding, helping people become better informed and able to
understand the mark-up sessions to follow. A little background discussion
from staff on the internal services accounts, the infrastructure deficit-gap
funding program, the public safety initiative, the MCDA and TIF, affordable
housing, arts, social services, and other programs/plans/costs, should make
the mark-up sessions more meaningful-- hopefully anyway. It will be
interesting to see if the successful library referendum can be used to
leverage formal bonding restraint (esp. w/ MCDA use of TIF) over the next
decade or so in an effort to get the overall budget more balanced?
M. Hohmann
13th Ward
