Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Chat with Mayor Condon on Facebook

Posted By on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 at 11:21 AM

Here's your chance. Ask a question. Tell them all the ways they're wasting your money. Rage about your favorite department getting cut.

Spokane Mayor David Condon and a handful of other city officials will be on the city's Facebook page from noon to 1 pm today to talk to you about the 2013 budget. 

Budget meetings have historically low attendance until people hear that a program they like is facing cuts, says city Spokeswoman Marlene Feist.

"We're trying to use tools that people use to see if we can engage people in processes like the budget," Feist says.

The city's Finance Division predicts the city will take in $9-10 million less than its expenses for 2013. Earlier this year, Condon vowed to propose a "no-growth" budget for the city, meaning departments will get the same funding they got last year. He's already cut the real-estate office and consolidated other departments, including streets, utilities and planning. Two others — Arts and Weights and Measures —  are facing elimination. 

They're calling it a chat, but don't mistake that for an instant message. They're hoping you'll all comment on the same post, Feist says. To weigh in, go to the city's Facebook page (facebook.com/cityspokane), look for a post announcing a live chat and comment there.

Tags:

Monster Jam @ Spokane Arena

Fri., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Sat., Nov. 9, 1 & 7 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 10, 1 p.m.
  • or

Heidi Groover

Heidi Groover is a staff writer at the Inlander, where she covers city government and drug policy. On the job, she's spent time with prostitutes, "street kids," marriage equality advocates and the family of a 16-year-old organ donor...