Tuesday Cookys

1. Maybe the dog ate it…

At yesterday’s Budget and Finance Committee meeting, Deputy Controller Monique Zmuda had the unenviable task of reporting that no one can locate any documentation or legal basis for the request that the City pay almost one-third of the SFUSD Superintendent’s salary.

Why is this important?

Because, according to the report from the Office of the Budget Analyst, last year the City paid $34,479 toward the Superintendent’s $225,000 salary (about 15%) but this year is being asked to pay $77,827 towards that Superintendent’s (now) $250,000 salary (about 31%). (Page 44 of the report here: Download budget_analyst_report.pdf.)

So, the Budget Analyst was all: how are you asking us to pay 126% more this year than last year when the Superintendent’s salary (only!) went up 11%? We’ll only give you 11% more than last year for a total of $38,306. If you want the other $40k, you have to prove we owe it. (At the hearing, Budget Analyst Harvey Rose was blood-vessel-poppingly pissed at the inflated initial request, so I was surprised there was a recommendation to fund the Superintendent’s salary at all.)

More than 10 days have gone by and there is still no sign of any basis for $78k request. The Budget and Finance Committee continued the issue and will take up again on Thursday. In the meantime, you can bet the school district folks are looking under the couch cushions, behind the desk and on top of the refrigerator for their homework.  I (and my Mom) can totally relate.

2. Progressive/Police Political Pickle?

In addition to being a local crimefighter, Supervisor Mirkarimi has worked to distinguish himself as an advocate for public safety. For example, he was the driving force behind legislation mandating the Police to have foot patrols in City neighborhoods. And yet this year issues like whether to cut 2 police academy classes bang right up against the need to find funding for a number of imperiled social programs. Because he is a progressive who is often mentioned as a future Mayoral candidate, nerds (like me) all over the City are waiting to see how he navigates these competing needs.

3. I want my baby back, baby back...

On Monday, June 16, the Budget and Finance Committee summarily, unanimously, unceremoniously and rather snottily voted to eliminate $1.4 million in funding for Mistermayor’s proposed “Baby Bank Account” initiative. That program would set aside $250 for each baby born in the City. According to Matier and Ross:

Once participants turn 18, they could withdraw the money to help pay for their education, housing or other needs - as long as they have graduated from high school in San Francisco and are participating in some sort of public service.

In a year of substantial budget cuts, I think Supervisor Peskin summed it up when he said: "It takes a lot of chutzpah to propose this."

Despite the complete absence of support from any member of the Budget and Finance Committee, City Treasurer Jose Cisneros made another appeal yesterday to fund this program.  This time, he asked for a measly $232k to hire two people to lay the groundwork for the program. 

The committee members appeared nonplussed. Minussed, even. And didn't budge. 

In another example of the triumph of hope over experience, we can expect Margaret Brodkin from the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families to make a similar appeal to the committee on Thursday.

4. Frenemies?

It is no secret that Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is a top contender in the race for Governor in 2010 – which makes him serious competition for our very own Mistermayor. Villaraigosa is up for re-election as the Los Angeles Mayor next Spring.

This Wednesday, June 25, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, SF District Attorney Kamala Harris, State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, and local businessman Darius Anderson will host a fundraiser for Villaraigosa’s mayoral campaign.

(Ahem.) I’m just saying…

--Melissa

Comments

[el Greco]

And not only is Villaraigosa raking in the dough right under Gavin's nose, he is doing at one of the sanctuaries of SF overpriced consumerism, Neiman Marcus! In the rotunda no less! Hey, Antonio, Union Square is our turf! And don't be bringing that shameless Telemundo hussy of a girlfriend 'round here!

[jamie]

This should be an easy decision for Ross. The progressives should always favor spending public funds in a manner that benefit the highest number of people. More police ... duh.