HALFWAY TO CONCORD » budget cuts

Hell freezes over; Hunt defends Gioia from union protests

admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:39:59 +0000

In a sure sign of the coming apocalypse, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Executive Director, Kris Hunt, actually defended John Gioia from union accusations, during a Contra Costa Supervisor discussion about further budget cuts. According to the Times, Supervisor John Gioia said, ‘”Everything else we do is working around the edges,” Gioia said. “The only way we’ll get through this is by sacrifice by everybody.” Gioia gave an example of how Contra Costa pays for 75 percent of employees’ retirement benefits, compared with most counties that pay half. During public comment, two union representatives lambasted Gioia for “posturing” outside of negotiations, and requesting he “cease and desist.” “No one’s going to keep me from expressing my thoughts,” Gioia responded.’

According to eyewitnesses (!) two fine ladies of AFSCME, seemingly used to getting their way with County negotiators, were out flanked when, miracle of miracles, tax watchdog,
Kris Hunt, spoke praise and defended both Gioia and Supervisor Piepho, saying, “that CoCoTax complains that contract negotiations between the county and unions are often conducted in the dark and the information he [Gioia] was providing was just that – information.” So yes, Virginia, that probably is the sky falling on your windshield; one rock at a time.

County Supervisors consider further budget cuts, Aug 12

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:16:28 +0000

Contra Costa County Supervisors (BOS) will consider options for further county budget cuts and possible “revenue enhancements, on Tuesday. The BOS will hear a staff report that outlines the increasing drop in revenues from distressed property and finance markets, as well as the spiraling increase of energy, employee and retiree benefits. Among the options outlined in the staff report: across the board program cuts (nuclear strike), eliminate specific programs (surgical strike), spend reserves (pre-emptive strike), enhance revenues (three strikes), reduce salary, benefits, or introduce rollbacks (labor strike).

Torlakson Education Town Hall meeting, May 8

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:09:31 +0000

Senator and Assembly candidate, Tom Torlakson, will host an Education Town Hall meeting at Las Lomas High School Theatre on Thursday, May 8, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Las Lomas High School is located at 1460 South Main Street in Walnut Creek.

Senator Torlakson will discuss the state budget crisis and the proposed education budget cuts. The public is encouraged you to attend and share ideas and and perspective on the proposed budget cuts and how they may be impact children, schools, and our community.

If you have any questions, or to RSVP for this education town hall, please contact Craig Cheslog in the Concord District Office at (925) 602-6593 or by e-mail at Craig.Cheslog@sen.ca.gov.