Laserfiche WebLink
<br />9A <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />"In recent weeks several legislators have assured the people of California that they are not <br />considering using local government revenues to balance the state budget. We appreciate their <br />understanding of the danger to the state of doing more borrowing and the important function of <br />cities in providing the services our residents rely on such as police. fire. transportation and much <br />more." said McKenzie. "The Governor also has been a big supporter of cities and an opponent of <br />borrowing from local governments to solve the state budget crisis. He has stated repeatedly that <br />the state budget should be balanced with state funds and the state should not rely on local funds <br />that are needed for critical local services." <br /> <br />McKenzie added, .Senate President Pro Tem Perata and Assembly Speaker Bass also have <br />expressed similar sentiments, and we commend them for opposing the politically expedient <br />option of 'borrowing' from local governments or transportation funds to fill the state's budget gap. <br />It is refreshing to hear these outstanding state leaders insist that the state finally face its budget <br />demons rather than shifting responsibility to local governments." <br /> <br />Next Steps <br /> <br />The League is closely monitoring the budget and city officials should watch for updates and <br />action alerts. City officials are also asked to stay in contact with their public affairs managers who <br />will be engaging city officials across the state in spreading this important message. <br /> <br />'Press Conferences' Continued from Page 1... <br /> <br />This week, along with the launch of www.Gutuothecard.com. many city council members have <br />been participating in press conferences, passing resolutions. and holding special ceremonies in <br />council chambers to "cut up the Bank of Local Government credit card." <br /> <br />There were three separate press conferences on Monday, July 28: Los Angeles. San Diego and <br />Fresno. City and county officials joined county officials and groups representing transportation, <br />and labor. Reporters attended all three in droves, giving the events a great deal of coverage in <br />the press in three of the state's largest media markets. <br /> <br />Details are given below about the events including links to some of the news coverage. <br /> <br />Los Angeles <br /> <br />Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine spoke at the press conference. Other city officials <br />who attended the event included: <br /> <br />. Rolling Hills Estates Council Member Judy Mitchell <br />. Cavina City Clerk Rosie Fabian <br />. Huntington Park Council Member John Noguez <br />. Santa Fe Springs Mayor Gus Velasco <br />. Glendora Mayor Pro Tern Mark Kelly <br />. Cerritos Vice-Mayor Bruce Barrows <br />. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca <br />. Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman <br />. Sam Ollvito (executive director. Contract Cities Association) <br />. Downey Fire Chief Mark Sauter <br />. Brynn Kernaghan. executive director. Long Beach Transit <br /> <br />The Los Angeles area press covered the event including: <br /> <br />. LA Daily Breeze htto:llwww.dailvbreeze.comlnewslci 10028369?source=rss <br />. La Opinion htto:1 Jwww.imore.com/laooinion/noticias/orimera-paQinal2008/7/29/C1obiernos- <br />locales-oiden-Que-no-70851-1.html <br />. KNBC- TV 4 <br /> <br />3 <br />