What we think about what the mayor said

Daily Statement: Our take on the mayor's comments.

On Thursday, Utica Mayor Dave Roefaro was interviewed by Utica Daily News publisher and radio host Bill Keeler as part of the Keeler in the Morning radio show. 

Typically, these interviews are given as a free venue for people to air their side of issues. This time, however, UDN's editorial board decided to look at some of the mayor's assertions. 

ON PENSIONS

He said: "Since I've been in office, there's no mayor that's had to deal with what I've dealt with," he said "I've got a 900 percent increase, through the years, in the pension system. I've got a $4.7 million bill for the pension system. Where would you like me to get that money?"

We say: There's no doubt that pension costs have risen and the state is contributing less, but the mayor negotiated 384-E pension plans for both the police and fire departments in 2008. The pension plans require no employee contributions and cost the city more money. However, the mayor would point to savings down the road because the plan allows for earlier buyouts than other pension plans. Still, these savings will be long term and could serve as a fiscally responsible move later, but increasing pension costs right now, in the midst of this economic shortfall, is at least partly self-inflicted. 

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW AND READ UDN STORY

ON SEEING THE CRISIS COMING

He said: "I said at last year's budget, 'Next year and the following year are going to be the worst'," he said. "I've said it many times. I started getting with the unions last year, I started finding different options last year. I've been working on this for months."

We say: Well, why then didn't you try to get a sales tax passed last year if that was going to be proposed? This way, you would know whether it had support and if it was going to be an option we could count on. What about other options?  Maybe the police could have provided a security company comprised of off-duty officers or a towing service. Maybe the Department of Public Works could charge for commercial plowing or demolition. These options might not be viable, but, if the mayor knew this shortfall was coming, which he stated in the interview that he did, then ways to raise revenues should have been proposed far sooner.

ON CUTTING PUBLIC SAFETY 

He said: Cutting the public safety compliment is the responsibility of the Common Council, which has to set the department's workforce. 

We say: Yes, but it is the mayor's job to lead and making recommendations to the Common Council is not only expected but often times serves as very productive means of pushing through an agenda.   In this case, the Mayor should be acting in crisis mode with a fiscal plan that encompasses all elements of city expenditures and as the leader of the city, he should do everything in his power to see that his plan is implemented.  If this means lobbying the Common Council to make changes in an effort to bring the city's finances closer into the black, then so be it.  The Mayor's claim that the size of Utica's workforce is not his responsibility paints a picture of a person who is 'passing the buck' and shows a blatant lack of leadership.

ON CUTTING IN GENERAL

He said: "That's $920,000 cut out of the budget," Roefaro said. "I've cut over a $1 million in salary budget since I've been there. How much more can I cut now?"

We say: Cutting positions like the public safety commissioner, the deputy commissioner, the human resource officer and their secretaries, could possibly hurt the city as far as services,  However, in difficult financial times when a city can't pay for certain services, the community is forced to endure the loss. Although a loss of services will in some cases directly affect the public, in times of fiscal difficulty, most people expect it.  Cuts in services, consolidation and a general 'tightening of the belt' are being made throughout the country.  Why should Utica be any different?

ON KEEPING THE CITY SAFE 

He said: "When Tom Lindsey was killed in 2007, people were terrified of what had come of public safety," Roefaro said. "There were gangs and criminal activity rampant on the streets."

We say: He's right. He did run on public safety and many believe the city certainly feels safer now than it did following the death of Thomas Lindsey. However, shouldn't there have been a responsible and aggressive effort to 'trim fat' without placing the community's safety at risk?

ON PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

He said: Comptroller Michael Cerminaro was wrong, and we do need a public safety administration department that costs the city nearly $200,000. Roefaro said the positions are mandated by the city charter and that Daniel LaBella's knowledge is irreplaceable. 

We say: Cerminaro was right. The previous two mayors have already set the precedent of acting as public safety commissioner, and maybe LaBella is irreplaceable. However, is the deputy public safety commissioner? Is the receptionist? If the mayor wants LaBella so bad, there has to be other sacrifices beyond one lieutenant.