S.F. Mayor Proposes Budget Cuts

SAN FRANCISCO, Jun. 21, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- Earlier this week a budget hearing erupted into a political mud fight when supervisor Chris Daly accused the mayor of dodging questions about drug use. He has flatly denied that charge --- and tonight the focus was back on the budget

A coalition of 75 advocacy groups brought their budget demands to the steps of city hall this afternoon.

Brian Basinger, AIDS Housing Alliance: "I want to know why 40-percent of the Mayor's Department of Public Health cuts are targeting people with HIV and HIV prevention programs."

At Tuesday night's hearing on the mayor's proposed budget cuts to health-related programs, supervisor Chris Daly set off a political firestorm when he accused mayor Gavin Newsom of dodging questions about cocaine use. The mayor has angrily denied that charge, and tonight Daly declined our request for an interview.

People worried about funding for their programs fear the controversy has taken attention away from the budget itself.

Maria Luz Torre, Parent Voices: "With city budget politics embroiled with mayoral politics, San Francisco families are left struggling to survive and waiting for leadership from the mayor and the supervisors."

Bevan Dufty, Supervisor: "I want to say to the public there's been a lot of attention on the board the last couple weeks but I really want to say of the 11 members, nine of us have really pulled together in this adversity and are really trying to work together to balance a package."

Tonight's public hearing drew hundreds to city hall.

The mayor has proposed a budget calling for more money for maintenance of city parks, streets and to increase police wages, making the department more competitive with others in the state.

That would mean cuts in among other things, some drug prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Laura Guzman: "The mayor talked about something he called back to basics. Increasing police, fixing pot holes, and we believe those are important but it's important we preserve a safety net for the people who are most vulnerable."

The supervisors will finalize a budget with a vote next Thursday.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•