City Budget Must Reflect Our Values

Hard decisions face the city council as it works to resolve the budget shortfall going into next year. How the City Council chooses to spend our hard earned tax money will demonstrate the kind of community we live in. Families are the foundation of our community and many families are struggling to survive this economic crisis. More than ever, they rely on the Health Department, Department of Human Services, recreation centers and libraries to make it through this tough time. Our representatives must strive to preserve these necessary services and to keep our recreation centers and libraries open. ACPS demonstrated that it is possible to keep our schools on the track to success despite budget challenges; it is possible to solve these problems with a balanced approach that stays true to our community’s values. I urge City Council to do the same. A quick review of the City’s Strategic Goals reminds us that the education, health and safety of our community are priorities. Our city expenditures must reflect those priorities.

Elsa Riveros

President Board of Directors, Tenants and Workers United