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9 A _ ................................. ............................... 1M ft .....•.•••.••• .... ............9600 "9.090006900090 evening also presented an opportunity to familiar- ize the delegates with CITIPAC, the League's new Political Action Committee dedicated to raising funds for a potential ballot measure to protect city revenues. CITIPAC will provide the much talked about "seat at the table" in the State Capitol, by giving the League the ability to fund a statewide ballot measure to strengthen constitutional protec- tions for local revenues. . Thursday morning on the North steps of the Capitol. Before a stage of uniformed public safety representatives, officers of the League, CSAC, CSDA, as well from the California Teamsters, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs and State Sheriffs Associa- tions, all spoke to the importance of the coalition and the need to continue the fight to protect local services. Peace Expounds on Budget, Urges Delegates to Press Legislators for Early Budget Resolution The second day began with a presentation from California State Department of Finance Director Steve Peace. A standing -room only crowd was urged by Peace to keep their legisla- tors on task and pass a timely budget. "Our number one priority is an on -time budget," he stressed, warning that any delay could hamstring the state's ability to obtain the short term financing necessary to meet its cash flow needs. Peace also advised participants to "confront reality now," in reference to the Governor's pro- posed half -cent sales tax increase. Proceeds from the temporary tax would be used exclusively to pay off the current deficit. It is designed to automatically expire once the debt is paid off. Listing the alternative cuts to higher education and public safety, Peace contended that embracing the increase now is California's best option for obtaining a balanced budget. Peace acknowledged that the Governor's plan does not fully address the structural problems in the state's budget, and called on LOCAL del- egates to focus their legislators on the issue. "The problem is not over once the budget is passed," he cautioned, although he expressed optimism concerning the rebound of the economy and the ultimate outlook for this year's fiscal decisions. Press Conference on Capitol Steps Under- scores Partnership, Unity LAD concluded with a press conference late Barry Broad, Legislative Representative for California Teamsters, spoke strongly for the need for a coalition approach, saying, "We must not pit essential services against one another," and "we need all our public services to work and work well." He expanded on League President John Russo's earlier statement that, "The old strategy of divide and conquer (between cities, counties and other organizations) will no longer work ". The press conference received extensive press coverage, with camera crews from six television stations and reporters from 14 print Publications, as well as the local National Public Radio station. lir •I V • � '•`1 I• 1 • I M Western City Magazine's job opportunity section is the source for job seekers looking for positions in local government. According to our reader survey, the job opportunity section is the best read section of our magazine! When you place an ad in Western City Magazine, it will be posted at no additional charge on our website, which receives over 60,000 hits per month. Call to place your recruitment ad today! 800 262 -1801 or visit our website www.westerncity.com. PAGE 12 /PRIORiTB FOCUS visit the League's official Web site-- %*m.cacitiee.caq