A Vote to Put the Brakes on Spending

I feel the article “City’s Contracting Ban Denounced as Reelection Ploy” (Aug. 27) left the impression that I do not support efforts to reduce the size of government during these recessionary times. My vote to suspend the privatizing of services in Anaheim was designed to put the brakes on any further spending until the budget crisis in Sacramento was solved.

My vote was a prudent public policy decision that is warranted during these uncertain times. I have always supported the privatization of services as a viable option for not only cutting costs but improving the services provided. In fact, Anaheim has a unique program which allows the private sector to compete against our municipal employees for a contract.

The Anaheim city charter still allows the city manager to investigate all cost-saving programs and submit them to the City Council for consideration. Our privatization suspension does not change this provision of the city charter.

The Times was quick to put a political “spin” on this story. The article left the impression that the council majority was circling the wagons around our municipal employees for political reasons. There is nothing further from the truth. This is an issue of fiscal responsibility, not politics.

So that your readers understand, Anaheim has reduced our employees by 14% because of this recession. Our Anaheim “family” has suffered the same pain as everyone else. The staff reductions are commensurate with private sector downsizing. My philosophy has always been that government should run like a business, and in Anaheim it does!

FRED HUNTER, Mayor of Anaheim