Candidate for
Council Member; City of Cloverdale

Dear Friends,

I have lived and raised my family in Sonoma County since April 1976, moving to Cloverdale in 2001. Like you, I have concerns over our ability to maintain "quality of life" services. As you know, California is in the midst of an economic crisis. State budget cuts have reduced the amount of money available for city services. At the same time, city Property Tax and Sales Tax revenues have decreased. Over the last 4-years, City staff has been reduced by 18%. Several positions in Public Works and Park Maintenance have been eliminated. To date, 2-sworn police officers (20%) have been eliminated. Due to these reductions, services have been reduced in park maintenance, storm water & creek maintenance, and the frequency street sweeping and street repairs are done.

Even with all these cuts, the city still may not be able to maintain basic services unless revenues increase. The City does not have a General Fund Reserve. With a projected $20.6 Billion state budget deficit and more Sacramento money grabs coming, it is vital that Cloverdale does not leave itself at the mercy of the State.

I remain committed to working through the financial challenges we face and remain committed to finding real long-term solutions. The challenge within our General Fund is more than a spending issue. It is a reduced revenue issue. Simply put, we do not have enough revenue coming in to fund needed services.

I will continue to promote federal, state and local investment in transportation, water, redevelopment and other critical infrastructure projects that will support the retention and creation of new private businesses and jobs in Cloverdale. I'm dedicated to moving our city forward in a positive and progressive manner. I deeply appreciate your friendship, your support, and your vote.

Sincerely,

Joe Palla