‘Budgets should reflect a vision’
“These last few years, we as a council have viewed the city finance glass as half-empty. When we hold views like t his, we tend to cut and get rid of. We restrict ourselves and pull back. We stop investing in the amenities that citizens deserve and desire. However, if we stop and view the glass as half-full instead, we become optimistic, progressive and creative.”
This is the sentiment I expressed in June before passing our Fiscal Year 2014 budget. This was against the backdrop of the state comptroller’s letter advising the council that we must pass a balanced budget, begin the process of stabilizing our cash reserves and get a handle on the rising debt.
I believe budgets should reflect a vision, a path forward. Budgets should demonstrate clear and precise leadership that works for its citizens and its employees. The budget we presented and passed allowed for this to occur. It responded to the comptroller’s demands.
Even more than that, however, we reinvested in our citizens by enhancing our libraries where so many access the Internet and employment opportunities through the computers available there. This budget reinvested in community centers so our youth have safe environments in which to play and learn, which will help us in the fight against youth crime and violence.
Last, this budget provided much-needed “soldiers” in our all-out fight against blight. In our city, so many communities have vacant and dilapidated homes and buildings, and overgrown lots that need to be addressed. We gave help in the form of extra code enforcement officers to address these problems and communicate that their city and leaders are with them in this fight.
I believe this budget and all other budgets going forward should be balanced by addressing our debt and cash reserves, but also addressing our city’s obligations to its citizens and employees. Harold Collins represents District 3 on the Memphis City Council.