Nutshell: The 2011 budget process is underway and your advocacy can help shelter pools from budget cuts. The city says it needs to cut $67 million (including 9-15% of the Parks budget). Yuck.
Didn’t we just do this in June?: Yes, but the June cuts were stop-gap, small-potatoes cuts. The big cuts start now. In city politics, visibility has a short shelf life.
Encouragement: Insiders say that public voices strongly helped aquatics avoid larger budget cuts in June. You’ve already built a lot of goodwill with city leaders, so take heart. The 2011 budget looks significantly less scary for aquatics thanks to you.
What to do: Either send personal stories to city leaders or speak at public forums. If pinched for time, just remind the Council/Mayor of your June comments.
Contact options:
- Write to the Mayor using his online form.
- Write to the City Council using their online form or seattlecitycouncil.ideascale.com.
- Attend one of three public hearings:
Wednesday, September 29
Northgate Community Center Gym
10510 5th Ave NE, 98125
5 p.m. Sign-in, 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing
Wednesday, October 13
The Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Avenue SW, 98106
5 p.m. Sign-in, 5:30 p.m. Public HearingTuesday, October 26
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd floor
600 Fourth Avenue, 98104
5 p.m. Sign-in, 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing
