Demonstrated Commitment to Low Electrical Rates
I am sure that you saw the news a couple of months ago proclaiming that City Light rates will not increase in 2009. I will remain committed to pursuing policies that ensure low and consistent rates for you, the customer. My most recent action was an analysis of City Light’s proposed 2009-2010 budget. Let me be clear, my goal is for City Light to be the best public utility in the nation and my decisions are based with the intent to see that goal fulfilled. In July 2008, J. D. Power and Associates showed that City Light is ranked number five among midsize west coast public power utilities. This is impressive, but we can do better. Behind the leadership of Superintendent Jorge Carrasco the hard work of the entire department must be commended for making City Light an industry leader. That said, the Utility’s budget presented myself and the Budget Committee with some tough decisions. After careful analysis by Council staff and I,
the decision was made to withhold funding for certain projects and new full time employees that totaled $18 million. As the budget process began to unfold it was clear to me that the items cut made strategic and fiscal sense for the utility and I did not want the proposed addition of Full Time Employees and Capital Improvement Projects to influence a rate increase at this time. Given the state of our economy and the uncertain nature of where it is going, the last thing I want to see is an electrical rate increase. Not now, not on my watch.
I Won’t Support Nanny Politics: Citizen Engagement Portal Initiative
As part of my last update, which was sent out in September, I told you about my initiative to develop a "Citizen Engagement Portal." I am driving this initiative under the premise that as a governing body we have not prioritized a communication strategy or policy that truly captures the preferences of our citizenry. This concerns me because there are many citizens who do not participate in the process and therefore, their voices are not heard. Oftentimes some initiatives are driven by a vocal minority. The Citizen Engagement Portal will cultivate a culture of greater transparency and get more people involved. This will give council a better understanding of where citizens stand on certain issues that we all face.
Development of the project is on track. Currently work is being conducted on the development of the single sign on element which will consolidate on line city services to one log in.
As this initiative continues to develop I will keep you apprised.
Youth Mentoring Initiative
By all estimates, an astounding 17.6 million young people in America – nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age – live in situations that put them at risk for choosing the wrong path in life, and not living up to their potential, or much, much worse. When a young man was shot near a central district high school in November, he was a victim, as could be the innocent kids attending the school who have an absolute right to be safe at all times and in particular, when they are walking to and from their school. My daughter attends Madrona middle school in the central district. I am immensely concerned. At the core of the problem, are the actions of young people who may have a self-image of violence and destruction; who see no alternatives for their life; and who were never taught or embraced the values of respect, kindness and conflict resolution. I believe that one’s self-image – that which one believes to be true about their self –
governs their beliefs, actions and attitude. However, self-imaging can be changed. Blame erodes self-accountability and human effectiveness. Our city must prioritize a commitment to mentorship strategies. As City leaders, we must align and provide the framework for a city-wide, coordinated strategy and call upon every decent person and every capable agency to help these young adults increase their human effectiveness. Our goal will transcend reducing violence and enhancing safety – but increasing the effectiveness of all of our young people. These young Seattleites can be and will be our next generation of productive citizens.
