Dear Council District Seven Resident,

As you know, the City of Los Angeles is currently experiencing a budget crisis. The City Administrative Officer has projected a $200 million deficit for this current budget year and an additional $400 million deficit for fiscal year 2010-2011, which begins July 1. This deficit is the result of reduced City revenue due to the worst economy since the Great Depression.

As a City Councilmember, I am working with my colleagues and the Mayor to bring our budget into balance, while still ensuring that resources are available to protect our community and provide basic City services.

Throughout this process, I have been pushing to find new sources of revenue for our budget, including increased collection of $400 million in uncollected debt and investing Federal stimulus dollars to help save jobs and services. As the Chair of the Jobs Committee, I am aggressively pushing the City to help, not hinder, businesses that can create jobs and help get our economy back on track.

As we move forward with the budget, I want to hear how you think we should balance the City's budget - including hearing ideas about where we should cut and where you think we can gain new revenue. What services are essential for you? How specifically can the City be more efficient? What services do you feel can be cut or reduced? Where can we increase revenue?

Please share your thoughts in this survey or, if you prefer, you can contact my staff at any of my offices, or email me at councilmember.alarcon@lacity.org.

Your opinion is extremely valuable to me during this budget crisis and I hope you will take a moment to fill out the survey and contact me regarding this important topic. Thank you for your involvement.

Yours truly,
Richard Alarcón
Councilmember, Seventh District