Squeaky Wheel
Monday night, with my husband, we went to the city council meeting to speak up about a particular budget cut our mayor has decided to make. She plans on cutting the family services our community and school district use. This service helps families in crisis as well as providing programs (preventative measures) throughout our school district.
About a month or so ago I received an email from the juvenile detective asking me if I would call him. So I did and he asks if I would be able to do something about it ~ in due time. Then I meet with the middle school principal and he asks me too.
The first thing I did to "help the cause" was to mention the budget cuts during our presentation to the parents. So when we got to the PowerPoint slide that listed the resources that are available this was the first one on the list because they are the first responders. We asked parents to call their councilmen asking them to keep this service. I know that that announcement probably wasn't going to inspire people to do that - especially parents of middle school kids but it still had to be said. I then email friends (many of which who don't have the issues that would warrant this kind of service) asking them to come with us to the meeting. I really didn't want to ask and wasn't surprised that no one came. In fact, only two responded telling me they couldn't make it. Well, I am so glad they didn't. The council meeting was in the conference room (rather than the main room) - so we didn't have very much room. And they probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to sit with us because it was so crowded in that tiny room.
So I give my "speech". It was pretty easy to write because it was heartfelt. Since I've done more public speaking in these past few years - I was surprised that I stumbled over some words - even though I wasn't very nervous. No matter - my husband was proud of me and I felt good that I said my peace. I told him that I still hate public speaking and "I hate this stuff" but if someone doesn't speak up......
After my talk I was asked by the President of City Council if I would submit my "speech" in writing to the secretary so that that each of them would have it in their packets for review. So I emailed it to her. The secretary said she already had what I said word for word but liked the way I had the paragraphs divided and will use my copy. She also said this (which she didn't have to) "By the way, I was very touched by your presentation. It was both educational and moving". That's a good sign - I hope. I hope I was able to sway some minds that were already made up. I doubt I was able to change the Mayor's mind, however. But - that might not matter.Well, now I understand it's put back on the docket for review by the financial committee. I know 2 of the 4 and believe they will vote for it. My council rep (who we used to play cards with years ago with his wife) told me that the other two might support it. Well, I just found out that one may not. My husband saw him last night and he said "there isn't any money". No money but they can spend $150,000 on a piece of equipment for the city two years before they need to.
Our council rep also said that, besides the emotional aspect of losing this program, they also have to see how many people actually receive this service to see if it's worth the cost. Funny - it's only $40,000 and the school district pays for the other half. Considering the school district won't be receiving as much financial help from the state - it goes to show how important it is for them to keep this program.
So we will see....
About a month or so ago I received an email from the juvenile detective asking me if I would call him. So I did and he asks if I would be able to do something about it ~ in due time. Then I meet with the middle school principal and he asks me too.
The first thing I did to "help the cause" was to mention the budget cuts during our presentation to the parents. So when we got to the PowerPoint slide that listed the resources that are available this was the first one on the list because they are the first responders. We asked parents to call their councilmen asking them to keep this service. I know that that announcement probably wasn't going to inspire people to do that - especially parents of middle school kids but it still had to be said. I then email friends (many of which who don't have the issues that would warrant this kind of service) asking them to come with us to the meeting. I really didn't want to ask and wasn't surprised that no one came. In fact, only two responded telling me they couldn't make it. Well, I am so glad they didn't. The council meeting was in the conference room (rather than the main room) - so we didn't have very much room. And they probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to sit with us because it was so crowded in that tiny room.
So I give my "speech". It was pretty easy to write because it was heartfelt. Since I've done more public speaking in these past few years - I was surprised that I stumbled over some words - even though I wasn't very nervous. No matter - my husband was proud of me and I felt good that I said my peace. I told him that I still hate public speaking and "I hate this stuff" but if someone doesn't speak up......
After my talk I was asked by the President of City Council if I would submit my "speech" in writing to the secretary so that that each of them would have it in their packets for review. So I emailed it to her. The secretary said she already had what I said word for word but liked the way I had the paragraphs divided and will use my copy. She also said this (which she didn't have to) "By the way, I was very touched by your presentation. It was both educational and moving". That's a good sign - I hope. I hope I was able to sway some minds that were already made up. I doubt I was able to change the Mayor's mind, however. But - that might not matter.Well, now I understand it's put back on the docket for review by the financial committee. I know 2 of the 4 and believe they will vote for it. My council rep (who we used to play cards with years ago with his wife) told me that the other two might support it. Well, I just found out that one may not. My husband saw him last night and he said "there isn't any money". No money but they can spend $150,000 on a piece of equipment for the city two years before they need to.
Our council rep also said that, besides the emotional aspect of losing this program, they also have to see how many people actually receive this service to see if it's worth the cost. Funny - it's only $40,000 and the school district pays for the other half. Considering the school district won't be receiving as much financial help from the state - it goes to show how important it is for them to keep this program.
So we will see....
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