Utica Daily News - Local and national news for Utica, The Mohawk Valley and Central New York.: What we think about what the mayor said

What we think about what the mayor said
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A UDN Editorial on 03/07/2010 02:43:00 am
 
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.