Council News Release

Councilmember Jean Godden

Finance and Budget Chair Jean Godden responds to
Mayor Nickels’ 2010 budget proposal

I want to thank the Mayor for including the Council’s top priorities in his proposed budget. Continuing and enhancing our commitment to public safety and preserving funding for human services have been a top concern for the Council. I’m pleased that we agree on the essentials.

Thanks to one-time savings and to city employees’ willingness to take furloughs, we will find the dollars in this year’s budget for needed programs. But it won’t be without pain, and if the economy doesn’t improve, deeper cuts are inevitable next year.

During our budget process, it will be our goal to conserve our resources, streamline government where we can and meet the top needs of our city. With smart decisions and strong leadership in these tough times, together we will build a brighter future.

I look forward to leading a thorough and thoughtful review of the budget over the next 60 days.

One of the things I brag about when I talk to people from other cities is how caring Seattleites are. They care about their city, its citizens and its services. And what’s even more remarkable is how helpful they are when budget time rolls around. So many come out and spend their valuable hours to share their thoughts and opinions on how Councilmembers should prioritize city spending. To that end I want to encourage constructive input from citizens.

The council will be holding three Public Hearings in October – Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Whitman Middle School; Wednesday, Oct, 14, at the Northwest African American Museum and Monday, Oct. 26, in Council Chambers.

More information can be found on the Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council and on Facebook at Seattle City Council.