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Oh, what a state we're in
My favorite TV show of all time, NBC's 'The West Wing,' once featured a breathtaking episode in which Martin Sheen, playing President Jedediah Bartlet, strode into the capital to give the state of the union address. TV being what it is, director Aaron Sorkin was able to create a moment that made my chest thump as I felt Bartlet's excitement, as he walked into a room full of people standing up to offer their applause. Whew.
Today's State of the City address by Mayor Johnson wasn't quite that dramatic, but it was a very good look at Johnson's priorities for the coming year. Of course, you can read my account of the speech (or at least as much of it as space will allow) in Monday's paper, but I thought blog readers who weren't able to attend this afternoon's meeting would appreciate a bullet list of the points addressed, so here it is, in terms that your fourth grader can understand:
- Last year's property tax increase was a near-record, and was "unacceptable to most of us." Money needs to be spent wisely.
- City government needs to be run more efficiently, as such the Mayor's office is reviewing many City Hall departments and offices.
- Income tax revenue has decreased because of the city's withdrawal from the county formula. We need to get back into that formula.
- Spitzer wants to take away our VLT revenue, and that's bad. Johnson will do what he can to make sure that it doesn't happen.
- There are a lot of capital projects being kicked around right now. Johnson created a new committee to oversee the construction of these projects.
- Debt is bad, and so Johnson wants to have a vote on any project that requires bonding money.
- There are problems with the police station, but until we can reach a consensus on how to deal with it in a cost-effective manner, we need to figure out how to make do with minor improvements.
- Planning for the indoor recreation facility is well underway, in its new home on the South side rec field. Johnson says that he hopes to break ground by Sept.
- Water, and the need for it (or not) is a polarizing issue in the city. There might be other options such as the wells in Geyser Crest, and we need to explore those options. We also need an approach to water that doesn't involve arguments based on fear and half-truths.
- The City Center needs to expand so that it can continue to boost our economy, and there is funding tied up in the state gov't. Write your reps!
- To help develop the DBA, we are going to explore paid parking downtown for visitors to the city.
- We should develop open spaces, including the waterfront, which should be a vital part of the city for all residents.
- Land use boards are sometimes frustrated by city zoning. Johnson's administration will examine the zoning text with the aim of creating a more comprehensive zoning text for the city.
- The racecourse, and the races there, especially Traver's Stakes, need to be protected. (This is separate from the NYRA issue.)
- We need affordable housing. Johnson will work toward a regional solution.
- CDTA is a good thing, and it's expanded routes in the city have been successful. Johnson will continue to work with CDTA and other transit operators to continue to bring more workers to Saratoga Springs.
- Mayor Johnson will create a series of town hall meetings, one each quarter, in numerous city neighborhoods. Citizens will get a chance to speak with the mayor about the subjects that are of the greatest importance to them.
- Finally, Johnson will form a Mayor's Committee, in which he will invite former mayors and council members to weigh in issues facing the city. "Can you imagine the political discussions?" asks Johnson. Indeed.
I hope everyone's team win tonight!
Today's State of the City address by Mayor Johnson wasn't quite that dramatic, but it was a very good look at Johnson's priorities for the coming year. Of course, you can read my account of the speech (or at least as much of it as space will allow) in Monday's paper, but I thought blog readers who weren't able to attend this afternoon's meeting would appreciate a bullet list of the points addressed, so here it is, in terms that your fourth grader can understand:
- Last year's property tax increase was a near-record, and was "unacceptable to most of us." Money needs to be spent wisely.
- City government needs to be run more efficiently, as such the Mayor's office is reviewing many City Hall departments and offices.
- Income tax revenue has decreased because of the city's withdrawal from the county formula. We need to get back into that formula.
- Spitzer wants to take away our VLT revenue, and that's bad. Johnson will do what he can to make sure that it doesn't happen.
- There are a lot of capital projects being kicked around right now. Johnson created a new committee to oversee the construction of these projects.
- Debt is bad, and so Johnson wants to have a vote on any project that requires bonding money.
- There are problems with the police station, but until we can reach a consensus on how to deal with it in a cost-effective manner, we need to figure out how to make do with minor improvements.
- Planning for the indoor recreation facility is well underway, in its new home on the South side rec field. Johnson says that he hopes to break ground by Sept.
- Water, and the need for it (or not) is a polarizing issue in the city. There might be other options such as the wells in Geyser Crest, and we need to explore those options. We also need an approach to water that doesn't involve arguments based on fear and half-truths.
- The City Center needs to expand so that it can continue to boost our economy, and there is funding tied up in the state gov't. Write your reps!
- To help develop the DBA, we are going to explore paid parking downtown for visitors to the city.
- We should develop open spaces, including the waterfront, which should be a vital part of the city for all residents.
- Land use boards are sometimes frustrated by city zoning. Johnson's administration will examine the zoning text with the aim of creating a more comprehensive zoning text for the city.
- The racecourse, and the races there, especially Traver's Stakes, need to be protected. (This is separate from the NYRA issue.)
- We need affordable housing. Johnson will work toward a regional solution.
- CDTA is a good thing, and it's expanded routes in the city have been successful. Johnson will continue to work with CDTA and other transit operators to continue to bring more workers to Saratoga Springs.
- Mayor Johnson will create a series of town hall meetings, one each quarter, in numerous city neighborhoods. Citizens will get a chance to speak with the mayor about the subjects that are of the greatest importance to them.
- Finally, Johnson will form a Mayor's Committee, in which he will invite former mayors and council members to weigh in issues facing the city. "Can you imagine the political discussions?" asks Johnson. Indeed.
I hope everyone's team win tonight!
posted by The Saratogian City Desk at
4:56 PM
2 Comments:
Andrew,
Just and FYI, the formula Johnson spoke of was regarding the overall sales tax collected in Saratoga County. It has nothing to do with income or income taxes.
Prior to 2002(I believe), all the county's municipalities pooled sales tax revenue and then weighted its distribution according to municipal population. City Dems figured the city was collecting the lion's share of sales tax revenues and then giving up a good chunk to larger municipalities(AKA Clifton Park).
The "new" formula is based based primarily on municipal property values. And given that the city is probably a good deal more valuable than the suburban death sprawl to the south, it's conceivable Saratoga is losing a fair amount of money in the deal.
The whole thing was a big hot-button issue in 2003. I'm not necessarily sure the county would want the Spa City back in the equation at this point.
Keep fighting the good fight,
Horatio
Horatio,
Thanks for the clarification. Of course, I did know that the formula was about sales tax, and not income tax, but in my rush to get the blog up and get home to watch the super bowl, I miss-typed that bullet. Fortunately, I didn't make that mistake in the print or online editions.
You're exactly right about the scheme, and the advantages it represented for other municipalities in the county, which will likely not want us back in the scheme. Johnson, Matt Vietch and Joanne Yepsen all said the same thing, more or less.
Happy Monday!
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