December 15, 2004

I want to start by thanking everyone.  There was far more participation this year than any year I can remember. I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't the only one asking questions and looking for answers in regards to this budget. I think we all found in the reactions to the questions we asked that there's a lot we know and a lot we don't. But we work better as a whole.

Debate is something we should be proud of and look forward to because it is a direct result of our attempts to get the answer we need and to resolve issues that are important to us.

I have followed up with every department and with the chair to ensure that I get my questions answered, and I urge you to do the same. If anyone needs answers, come and see me because I will be getting them if I haven't already. Answers will be forthcoming, I assure you.

Having said that, I want to touch on just a few things that I feel are important in regards to this budget. Federal restructuring left us with far fewer resources. Here in Chicago we are left holding our expectations in one hand and far fewer resources in the other hand. What we must understand is that we are the first line of defense. They come to us expecting a response. We need to be able to provide clear answers for our folks.

I have heard over and over again from countless organizations and departments that government should get out of government. We should pay off the debt first before looking at ways to spend that would better our communities. The federal government, especially over the last few years, has been saying to us, "Look, we tell you what to do; we give you money to do it with; and, we tell you when there isn't enough money to do anything at all." So what do we do in response to this?