Councilman Todd Gloria said through increased revenues and cuts in other areas, nearly $15 million can be found to keep the libraries and recreation centers operating at current levels.
Gloria proposes reducing benefits for council members and other city executives and expanding marketing partnerships among other suggestions.
“For people who can’t afford to buy a book at Barnes and Noble’s and for those who can’t afford to join the 24 Hour Fitness in their neighborhood, for those people who need internet access to apply for jobs and for one of the nation’s 10 largest cities, libraries and recreation centers are core services,” he said,
Gloria worries that if libraries close they might never reopen. He’s calling on the public to get involved.
“I encourage, in fact I beg, San Diegans to become a part of this process,” he said. “Your voice must be heard if we want to save our libraries and rec centers.”
The city’s budget review committee will begin going through the mayor’s proposal department by department on Wednesday
