Tucson City Council – Driving down the budget? Update: azstarnet.com, Tucson vs. Business

Here in Tucson (full disclosure, I live in Oro Valley, but what happens in Tucson affects Pima County) there is a 32 million dollar “budget gap.”  Revenues have cratered in this economy and spending, well, it’s been suspect over the past few years.  Rio Nuevo is an excellent example, but this video doesn’t go there.  Perhaps some other time.

There is a move to recall some of our city council members, and our Mayor, because some in the business community say the city is not business friendly. The Wall Street Journal’s “Bottom 10 for Business” backs that up! Tucson ranks 95 out of 101.. that’s behind Detroit!

This video focuses on servant leadership and leading by example.  The newest council member, Steve Kozachik, drives his own car.  That doesn’t sound unusual, until you realize that the rest of the council drive Prius’ (Priusi?) that were purchased by taxpayer $$s.  It won’t bridge the budget gap, but perhaps giving up their cars is the right thing to do.  It might save a job and it sets a good example.

Steve K brought in a long list of suggestions for the council to consider at the January 12, 2010 meeting.  You can read those here.

Here is the video:

More full disclosure. I am being compensated by Take Back Tucson for some (OK most) of my time spent making this video. The thoughts and ideas are still mine and I agree with myself.

To read more about the effort to recall council members Regina Romero and Karin Uhlich, and Mayor Bob Walkup surf on over to TakeBackTucson.com

Update: No wonder Tucson ranks as such an unfriendly place to do business. Read this article in the Arizona Star. You may have to register.

Update: Thanx to the Gila Courier for picking up the video.