Fiscal Responsibility

By Russ Cohen

Burlingame faces a tough economic future. That's why my practical professional skills will be of great value.

As an outside observer, I marvel at how city staff manages Burlingame's $70 million annual budget. I can sympathize with those department heads who, this past year, have had to make some very tough financial decisions.

I too have been in the unfortunate position as a manager where it became necessary to terminate the employment of some very valuable employees. I know first hand that it is one of the most difficult tasks a manger must face.

It is clear that for the next few years Burlingame will be financially challenged. We must, however, try to look at the glass half full rather than half empty. In times of austerity we sometimes find that we can actually operate in a leaner more efficient manner. In fact, we will be forced to operate that way.

My concern lies in areas that become revenue generators that were never intended to be as such. An example would be parking citation fees. They are, of course a necessary evil, but the last approach Burlingame should be embarking on is to remind people that they could be severely punished by visiting our town. It is not good for business and it certainly does not lend itself to promoting the friendly atmosphere Burlingame is known for.

It may be sometime before we operate with fiscal security, but when the robust economy returns we must not forget these challenging times. Being fiscally conservative is hard to argue with.

My professional career in marketing has given me much experience in project management. On time, under budget is not a foreign concept.

Raising taxes is not the only answer in tough economic times. As a council member it will be my responsibility to promote solutions that are less burdensome on those who live and work here. The residents of Burlingame are already bearing the burden of some financial missteps of the recent past.