UPDATE 9:30am | 9th District City Councilmember Steven Neal released the following statement on the results of the budget TeleForum.
The final TeleForum report shows that 2,058 residents citywide participated in the Town Hall. During the call, hundreds of listeners participated in polls and more than 40residents submitted great questions, 10 of which were asked and answered live.
What’s even more surprising are the responses from these residents when given the opportunity to provide input on how the City of Long Beach should balance its budget. Amongst those residents on the call, when asked how the Uplands Fund should be used next Fiscal Year, an overwhelming amount of participants(95%) stated that the funds should be used to restore services like public safety, parks and libraries. Only 5% supported its use on one-time capital improvements.
About 70% of responders stated that they were not even aware that our city has enjoyed surplus oil revenues for 9 out of 10 recent years.
But the best indicator that residents are concerned about the FY12 proposed cuts to public safety and quality of life programs, is the fact that 170 residents indicated that they are willing to stand up for quality public services by calling and emailing their council members, as well as attending the budget hearing and city council meeting on Tuesday September 6.
For those of you who didn’t have a chance to join us on the TeleForum, click here to listen to a recording of the Town Hall. (Special thanks to LBReport.com for posting the forum for all Long Beach residents to hear)
Again, thank you to those who participated. I hope to see you at the City Council meeting on September 6th, at 5 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802.
August 30, 2011 9:55am | Councilmembers Steven Neal, Rae Gabelich, and Gerrie Schipske are inviting Long Beach residents to participate in a citywide live interactive TeleForum. Participants will discuss proposed cuts in the fiscal year 2012 budget, and possible alternatives, such as the “Public Safety and Quality of Life Protection Plan” as proposed by Neal, Gabelich and Schipske.
The teleforum will provide an opportunity to join residents from all parts of town in a discussion on the proposed cuts to police, fire, and quality of life services, and how it will impact Long Beach families. Participants will engage in question and answer as well as live surveys and direct feedback.
All who RSVP will receive a call at 7:00pm on Thursday evening, and will be automatically connected to the Town Hall.
To participate, RSVP with your name and phone number to:
District 9: 562-570-6137, [email protected]
District 8: 562-570-6685, [email protected]
District 5: 562-570-6932, [email protected]
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