Each year since 1987 I have studied the city budget line item by line item. The city budget is the most important legislation we pass each year, as it sets our priorities as a city and directly impacts the affordability of the city.

As a rule there are no other aldermen who prepare questions for every department and follow-up on the answers to those questions. It is not far fetched to imagine that if I were not there to participate in budget hearings, a good 50 hours of public discussion with City department heads about their goals and objectives for the following year would not happen.

The City Council exists for a reason. We should not be a rubber stamp but a willing and contributing partner. Disagreements should not be feared but considered a starting point for improving the city and finding solutions.

In this capacity I have been effective in improving city policy and getting new laws on the floor and through the council often when the Mayor’s first preference was to leave it alone and do nothing.

In the last 4 years I have voted with the mayor 94% of the time. I have disagreed 6%. Debate and discussion and hearing different voices, especially in a city as diverse as ours, is healthy and should be encouraged.

Thank you.