THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 27, 1994 TAG: 9411240251
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
City Manager Wayne Orton's new method of processing the Capital Improvements Program theoretically should lead to more open discussion of the budget. But the process is only as good as the public makes it.
Orton presented a list of 100 items, noting that only a small percentage will be included for funding. In the past, he said, he would have made his recommendations without putting all of the options on the table.
In addition, he had staff members explain the money that is available and the cost to the city of borrowing it. It is with borrowed money that the city finances capital improvements. The city, of course, pays interest on that money.
The public needs to hear those figures. Perhaps that will help them understand the reason people shudder at the thought of spending almost $40 million for a new high school or $5 million for an addition to a jail that may be moved in a few years or $7 million or more to complete Kings Crossing.
Money's tight in Portsmouth and citizens need to know that. Talking about money more openly and discussing the problems with the public should make them more aware of the problems.
Certainly, this process will take longer for City Council, also may cause them to think long and hard about their decisions.
The process give citizens an opportunity to discuss more items at a public hearing on Dec. 13. Council should set up the hearing so that city staff will be permitted to answer questions from the public.
Citizens aren't always right, but they frequently raise good points for discussion. It's good to give them an opportunity to speak on the entire list of 100 projects. The public has a responsibility to consider the items in light of what's best for the entire city, not just what's in it for a particular neighborhood.
The notion of putting everything on the open table is a good one. It's up to the public to make it feasible for them to be included in the discussion. by CNB