Fixing our Budget

By Michela Alioto-Pier

As Supervisor, Michela: Cut waste, fraud and abuse by demanding regular audits of City departments. With auditors in the Controller's Office as well as at the Board of Supervisors, it is reasonable to expect regular reviews of every City department on a regular basis. Michela led the effort to enforce a 7-year audit schedule. Her audit of early childcare programs uncovered funds that could be used to care for young children. Her audit of the Marina Small Craft Harbor led to meaningful reforms to their cash handling procedures.

Supported investments in capital projects to prevent liability and reduce costs. Michela believes that the City should invest in capital projects to make sure roads are paved, parks are clean and safe and City buildings meet modern building and seismic standards. At every turn, she voted to support capital investments instead of kicking the can down the road.

Saved crucial services and programs from the budget axe. Michela believes that like every San Franciscan, the City must prioritize the most important expenditures. Michela strongly supported public safety and stopped her colleagues from shuttering neighborhood firehouses. To protect independent living in the community, she saved in-home support services and mental health programs from draconian cuts. Michela also led the effort to protect parks, arts and cultural programs during the budget process.

As Mayor, Michela will: Implement zero-based budgeting. Right now, the Mayor bases each budget year on the prior year's expenditures. Under zero-based budgets, each department will justify their expenditures and there will be no sacred cows. Zero based budgeting also allows for annual reviews of program effectiveness, allowing for targeted reductions rather than across the board cuts.

Put a searchable budget online. It's your money, and Michela believes you should know where it goes. Existing budget documents do not clearly outline who's receiving City funds and for what purposes in a way the public can understand. Using departmental submissions from the zero-based budgeting initiative, Michela will ensure the timely posting of budget information on the Internet.

Reform pension and healthcare entitlements for City employees. Skyrocketing pension and healthcare costs are threatening our City's fiscal health. Michela will work with all stakeholders, including the City's workers, to develop sound proposals to limit these costs and ensure the solvency of these programs.