A cost cutting measure by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has raised the hackles of some council members and residents. They’re reacting to the mayor’s announcement he will eliminate the Office of Neighborhood and Customer Services, KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
Councilwoman Donna Frye says the mayor doesn’t have the authority to simply announce major cuts and to restructure services without consulting the city council.
Frye: When the public voted for a strong mayor of government they did not vote to eliminate themselves from that process not eliminate the legislative branch. It was for more, not less accountability.
The mayor has already eliminated 13 positions and proposes to reassign 600 Park maintenance staff to the general services Department.
Leo Wilson, chair of the community planning group, says he’s wary of a unilateral decision that could be a step toward handing over services to private contractors.
The city is struggling to close a $24 million budget gap this year. Alison St John KPBS News.