Rancho Cordova's Most Pressing Problem.

By Linda Budge

The world, federal, and state economic problems are the number one most pressing issue that we all have.

We can be frugal. We can cut spending, just as we are all doing at home. We can "not waste this crisis" and use it as an opportunity to look for creative ways in which to provide the same level of service to our customers. For instance, in combining the mandates of AB 32 and SB 375 with these economic doldrums, we are finding ways in which to reduce the energy consumption of City Hall and reduce our energy bills, saving significant amounts of tax payer dollars. We have trimmed the City's budget and worked with our service providers such as the Sheriff's Department to re-write contracts to reduce costs with minimal effect on service levels. We have activated programs that empower volunteers to create change within their own neighborhoods, rather than just have the government swoop in to try to correct problems. Good planning by City departments keeps major projects ready on the shelf so that when short notice comes of funding availability, there's a construction ready project to qualify.

Economic Development that results in renewed growth of sales and property tax is critical to making progress. Remember that Economic Development makes possible everything that we all want to accomplish!