McCammack suggests heavy fines to help solve budget crisis
Seventh Ward Councilwoman Wendy McCammack criticized interim City Manager Mark Weinberg during budget talks Monday night for what she sees as a failure to seek additional revenue enhancements.
McCammack maintained that the city should engage in more aggressive code enforcement and inspection efforts, thereby maximizing fee and fine revenues while cleaning up the city. She singled out a proposal to impose a new $80 fine for illegal signs when the city's administrative civil penalties law carries a provision for a maximum fine of $1,000 per day for any violation of the municipal code.
"Why would you undercut yourself if you've already got the legislative power to fine more?," asked McCammack, who has taken the position that the city should pursue new revenues before considering layoffs.
Weinberg and Mayor Pat Morris issued sharp rebukes to McCammack's suggestion. Weinberg asked McCammack if being pro-business, she would really want to start handing out $1,000 fines in the middle of a recession.
Morris, a former judge, maintained that such a hefty penalty for a sign violation is disproportionate to the offense.
"You're talking about people paying a $1,000 fines for minor infractions, and no judge worth his salt is going to enforce this," he said.
The proposed $80 fine for illegal signs could raise $45,000 in Fiscal 2009-10, according to Weinberg's office.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
City employees to include police and fire personnel and beyond are trying to make it through these hard times like everyone else. They’ve done nothing wrong – just trying to make through another day! Some are facing a 10% pay cut; some have already taken a 5% hit! Most are willing to take the cut, that doesn’t mean they have to like it, but anyone with half a brain knows that some income is a hell of a lot better than no income – with layoffs or being fired there are no options – Period! For the most part these people are the backbone of this city, yet you are willing to freely eliminate these positions before looking at other revenue enhancements. I’m not saying layoff shouldn’t be in the picture (because I am sure some city employees PD and FD included need to be fired, not just layoffs) what I am saying is that there are many options as you very well know that should be examined before you resort to harsh measures. There’s no success like failure, and failure is no success at all!
Realistically we know the 10% cut isn’t enough. Therefore I highly suggest you (Weinberg/Morris) look a little closer at Seventh Ward Councilwoman McCammack’s suggestion. You don’t want to hand out $1,000 fines in the middle of a (as you call it) recession, in reality and in fact, and for the record we are in a depression, say it “depression” very good. Yet it’s OK for you to suggest eliminating city jobs? I’ll hand out the damn fines without hesitation and definitely with no remorse – after all these people/business are in violation of the law (they broke or are breaking the law) otherwise they wouldn’t be considered for a fine in the first place! Weinberg, will you be giving up 10% of your pay? Now do the right thing.
JRD2u
With the current situation that the country is facing people will not be able to meet such demands as an increasement in fines. I agree in cleaning up the city from illegal signs but do not agree with the current proposition that Councilwoman McCammack suggested. But by all means all establishments should be reviewed for up-to-date codes and violators should be fined at the current rate. If there's one person who I think has trashed our city with his signs it is Congressman Baca. Election season is over and I would love to see him take down his signs if he really cares about us. The same for all other elected officials and individuals seeking positions. I'm sure Councilwoman McCammack’s husband's sign business will benefit from either way the coin lands on this topic.
I thought she was a fiscal conservative. Hey did she print up all those signs that Baca placed all over the place?
Do you know your tax dollars pays for Walmart, Costco and other establishments? I hate to be bugged,but imagine this, someone wanting to have you sign a petition cannot do it at Costco. So the millions spent by professional organizations financed by special interests hire folks to do big mailouts and campaigns. Now your council is looking to hide from tough decisions, "will the police union write me a big check for my next campaign, what to do...fees on cats!"
Stater Bros still allows the public square.
Mrs. McCammack, if you ran for Mayor of this city in the next election, we have no doubt you would win. You are an inspiration for many tax-paying, voting families in this city. Thank you for your common sense and dedication.
Dan Gomez and family