The past month has been a very eventful one here in City Hall and throughout the District.  Of particular concern has been our City's budget, which, by any objective measure, is the worst budget our City has faced since the Great Depression.  As a member of the Board of Supervisor's Budget Committee, my main priority has been protecting key City services, especially front line and direct services that are essential to the wellbeing of our neighborhoods.

 

While I remain optimistic that we City officials will be able to agree to a budget that minimizes the impact on front line and direct services, I'm afraid that the Mayor's proposed cuts go forward, the impact on our neighborhoods will be devastating.  Of particular concern are proposed cuts to the Department of Public Health, including cuts to critical services such as mental health and HIV prevention and treatment; proposed cuts to the Recreation & Parks Department, which, because of reductions in staff, hours and programs, will mean substantial reductions in our families' access to parks and recreational areas; and proposed cuts to the Human Services Agency, which serve some of our neediest populations, including seniors and the homeless.  This is not to mention significant reductions to violence prevention programs, which, along with law enforcement, are critical to ensuring public safety in our District.

 

The work of the Budget Committe will continue through June 30, and then the Committee's recommendations will be forward to the full Board for its approval.  The Board will then forward its budget to the Mayor, who has until July 31 to sign it.  Your input on the City's budget is critical.  Please feel free to contact my office with any input or questions.

 

Very truly yours,

 

David Campos