Re “December Nights, libraries, rec centers may get reprieve” (May 13): Many of the proposed budget cuts were so outrageous, they appear to have been nothing but a way to claim that compromises were being made. Eliminate funding for December Nights, the beloved city celebration. Cut 38 public restrooms, including closing seven in Balboa Park.
The revised budget has some reversals, but hours at recreation centers and libraries are still significantly reduced, with no restoration of local arts funding. Previously instituted parking fees at Balboa Park remain incomprehensible.
Mayor Gloria is cited as saying he is not veering from a highly conservative approach to city spending, an approach that doesn’t hesitate to cut services that make our city a special place to live.
This paper has previously reported on high personnel costs. Isn’t it the job of our city government to look at all possible areas in which to make cuts, instead of always raising fees and cutting services?
— Melinda Hansen, Del Cerro