Mike Hogan's $62 Million Budget Cutting Plan

[Metro Jacksonville]

Mike Hogan's $62 Million Budget Cutting Plan



Metro Jacksonville shares mayoral candidate's Mike Hogan's plan to get the city's financial house in order.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-apr-mike-hogans-62-million-budget-cutting-plan

[dougskiles]

Ugggggh - I'm still bitter that Audrey didn't make it to the final round.  Now I feel like I am either voting for Mike Hogan or against Mike Hogan.  Sorry Alvin, but I'm just not hearing enough to get me really excited about your campaign.  If I vote for Alvin, it will really be a vote cast against Hogan.

And then there is part of me that believes we will benefit from the 'housecleaning' that he proposes.  I deal with city government everyday.  There is room for improvement.  And there are endless hours and meetings debating things like proper placement of sprinkler heads - which makes you wonder - do these people have enough to do?

With Audrey we almost had the best of both worlds.  Now we have to choose between no vision and unknown vision.  BUT - once that choice is made - we need to get on with it.  One person doesn't make or break a group as large and diverse as Jacksonville.

[Jumpinjack]

Well, all I can say is that this proposal has landed with a small thump, not the explosive challenge it was meant to be. 

Combine divisions and departments functions - This could be important but which divisions? which departments?
Evaluate every existing contract - such a great idea that no other mayor ever thought of it.
Reduce mayoral appointees - You mean that all those folks who've thrown their political might behind Mr. Hogan will get nothing in return? 

And, where's the part about standing firm against pork barrel projects from the City Council members?

[Garden guy]

You have done what all other republicans had done...deregualte and defund...it does'nt work you silly fool. Invest in our community...stop taking it and giving it to the wealthy by making thier rules different than those than don't have as much cash....you are a ass kissing rich boy and please go away.

[spuwho]

Well, all I can say is that this proposal has landed with a small thump, not the explosive challenge it was meant to be. 

Combine divisions and departments functions - This could be important but which divisions? which departments?
Evaluate every existing contract - such a great idea that no other mayor ever thought of it.
Reduce mayoral appointees - You mean that all those folks who've thrown their political might behind Mr. Hogan will get nothing in return? 

And, where's the part about standing firm against pork barrel projects from the City Council members?

There are several duplicated functions in IT across COJ. Every election there are rumors that they will outsource it to a managed provider (like IBM Government Services), but they really need to get rid of duplication across each city tower. For example JEA and COJ each pay $$ to maintain their own GIS system. (and they don't align either.....)

I still get amazed about how some issue comes up because someone hasn't read the contract. Doing a total contract review is a way to capture duplicate deals, stop being surprised by what COJ is really on the hook for.

Mayoral appointees is a way to get around certain budget limitations in various COJ departments. Realigning staffing levels to match reality for a department is ideal, but lets face it, governments are in part politically driven organizations. Some mayors like to make sure they have loyal forces spread through out the organization to make sure their priorities are followed through on. I can only assume Hogan wants to move more to a meritocracy based employment and away from political cronyism.

Doing a telecom cost review is the "low hanging fruit" in any cost reduction exercise. The sector is very competitive and is always ripe for a cost reduction.  It can be knocked off quickly and you don't need hundreds of consultants to prepare for it. A quick win.

[fsujax]

If Hogan wants to reorganize the City to save money fine. Peyton said the same thing. My problem with Hogan, is his unwillingness to even discuss the issues with opposing views for the most part and his lack of concern for Downtown. I happen to believe a vibrant DT will help all of Duval County. The hole in the middle needs to be filled. Empty lots are a tax base waiting to be created!

[mtraininjax]

There are several duplicated functions in IT across COJ. Every election there are rumors that they will outsource it to a managed provider (like IBM Government Services), but they really need to get rid of duplication across each city tower. For example JEA and COJ each pay $$ to maintain their own GIS system. (and they don't align either.....)

I still get amazed about how some issue comes up because someone hasn't read the contract. Doing a total contract review is a way to capture duplicate deals, stop being surprised by what COJ is really on the hook for.

Mayoral appointees is a way to get around certain budget limitations in various COJ departments. Realigning staffing levels to match reality for a department is ideal, but lets face it, governments are in part politically driven organizations. Some mayors like to make sure they have loyal forces spread through out the organization to make sure their priorities are followed through on. I can only assume Hogan wants to move more to a meritocracy based employment and away from political cronyism.

Doing a telecom cost review is the "low hanging fruit" in any cost reduction exercise. The sector is very competitive and is always ripe for a cost reduction.  It can be knocked off quickly and you don't need hundreds of consultants to prepare for it. A quick win.

At lease he can call on some EXPERIENCE as the Tax Collector in the Yates Building, which houses other city offices, for some ideas on cutting expenses in the city. Poor Alvin Brown has no such experience.

[jcjohnpaint]

That is it?  That is it?  Really?  That is all you got Mike?  You are not running a convenient store!

[mtraininjax]

You are not running a convenient store!

Nope our current Mayor plans to return to that job very soon! Who knows, maybe he'll make you an ice cream cone!

[fsujax]

or clean the toilets!

[jcjohnpaint]

I hope it is strawberry

[Ocklawaha]

I don't know, strawberry toilets don't sound good to me! LOL

OCKLAWAHA

[jaxlore]

If Hogan gets in we will all be cleaning toilets!

[Ocklawaha]

I too am hearing complaints that Alvin is NOT making any clear issue, IE: "we need to", "I plan to", "Jacksonville will", type statements. In fact yesterday at the VA clinic this was the talk of the whole medical staff.

On the other hand, Hogan is bringing NOTHING to the table, but he plans to remove it's legs.  While I completely disagree with Garden Guy or Faye's ranting about party politics, this latest crop of Republican news makers all appear to have never had an original idea, invention, or concept in their lives. Anyone can cut the budget at the YMCA by draining the pool, but when the people move on to different venues, then what?  These guys want Light Rail, but they want it to run on two negative wires!

Face it, we cannot spend ourselves rich or drink ourselves dry (though I've been known to try), but spending NOTHING on ANYTHING is a recipe for howling wind and tumbleweeds. Streetcar, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail have all been proven to return far more in new TAX PAYING DEVELOPMENT, then the cost of the systems. I strongly suspect great schools, waterfront parks, piers and access, and restored urban parks could have at least a break even result.

OCKLAWAHA

[JeffreyS]

It won't be bad under Hogan. Jacksonville will grow a little and be about the same when he leaves as it was when he took office. Unless we lose the Jags. Alvin is a chance for real improvement.