City Budget and Economy

By Annan Paterson

I will bring my expertise in problem solving and collaboration to the budget process and development of a thriving economy.

It is not acceptable that we had a $5,000,000 structural deficit as of January 2005. After adoption of the 2005-06 budget, there is now a $2,500,000 structural deficit. It is going to take a number of years and strong resolve to solve our fiscal woes.

I have reviewed reports from the Economic Development Commission and the Citizens Budget Committee and urge the City Council to seriously consider their recommendations.

I will bring my expertise in problem solving and collaboration to the budget process and development of a thriving economy.

I will work diligently to balance our budget and bring in increased revenue by:

• Responsible spending and accountable government;

• Increasing our community dollars through retail opportunities that honor our small town heritage and bring valued merchandise to our consumers;

• Seeking grants and private funding to preserve our historic district;

• Spearheading a "Shop Local! Shop Novato!" initiative that emphasizes the value of local shopping to our environment, our city finances and our merchants;

• "Stretching community dollars" through partnerships with other government agencies, nonprofit foundations and business;

• Encouraging new business in Novato and increasing occupancy of existing office space;

• Maintaining professional standards of our city workforce;

• Careful analysis of City fees that generate revenue for our police and city services.