this year B. Brown wants to "eliminate non-essential purchases, contain costs wherever possible, and manage our resources more efficiently."

As opposed to what?

As opposed to BAU. We'll see if it really happens. I have my doubts. But I get what you are saying. Shouldn't that always be the case?

It looks like the City is on the right track. I like the idea of the rainy day fund - who knows it may or may not be a rainy day - there may be an extra $30M available for following years budget. I think the City would greatly benefit from selling off some of the parking ramps and being able to collect the taxes from these properties (Main Place).

The main thing the City needs to desperately do is to attract a major corporation (business) to make Buffalo it's hub. This business should be able to build the tallest tower downtown and work with (not against) the City to increase tourism and the viability of the City of Buffalo. Tax breaks should be at a minimum, the City needs the assets to increase services such as ---- SNOWPLOWING and ROAD IMPROVEMENTS!!! This would be the start of something great for this area.

Well it is good words. I still find a problem when the only people seeing new money are police and fire. How the come the city building inspectors, permits or public works that are constantly under attack are not seeing some sort of help. Sure it will be good to have more police on the street but I think to a bigger spur in development would happen if there was a proper audit of those departments to cut any waste and organize them around the needs potential developers as well as health safety. I think the inspectors do a good job for what they are up against but we should really try to make Buffalo business friendlier. Unfortunately it falls back to unions and that is Browns major flaw. money to the unions instead of to the departments that really impact the economic development and quality of life of city residents. Development brings jobs which reduces poverty which reduces crime. Cops don't reduce crime they just pick up after it.

We need a city that will show to residents and businesses that it is going to care for them. Pick up their garbage on time, make sure the streets are nice places to call home etc etc. Good steps I admin, I think it is fantastic that he is reducing the property taxes (even by just a little) but still some of the same ole same ole.

Maybe fewer people are recycling because there are still garbage workers who don't follow the rules. I was appalled to watch garbage collectors throw recycle bin after recycle bin on Main Street into the garbage truck.. I WISH I was in a position of power.. those people who be reprimanded and if possible fired. You have a simple job.. there isn't any excuse to piss poor performance. It gives people the perception.. Why bother.. they don't care. And that is a part of the reason people move out.

Sbrof: There is a reason why you are not in a position of power.

carlmalone, there is a reason why nothing changes in this town. People who get into power refuse to acknowledge poor performance and settle for the status quo. I wish our politicians had the balls to actually fire people who don't do their job. Why should people keep their job if they don't do it properly?

and Balth, i never said yell and scream. People should be given the chance to change and better themselves. No one should get fired without proper reason but keeping people just because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings even though they are wasting tax payer dollars is not helping the city.