Monthly Archives: May 2013

Mr. Kennedy Goes to Council

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

Every time City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy makes his annual appearance before City Council to discuss the City’s financial condition, one can’t help but think of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”  Senator Jefferson Smith spends hours trying to get the legislators … Continue reading →

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Public Scrutiny Is Not an Annoyance

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

Originally published in the Alameda Sun May 23, 2013 City officials never have relished public participation in the budget-making process.  Mayor Marie Gilmore often mocks the lack of attendance at budget workshops – this year, she didn’t even show up … Continue reading →

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Our little secret

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

Tomorrow’s Alameda Sun will contain my column on the FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15 budget.  The column was written before the City released its latest draft last night.  Among other things, I note that the April 18 draft budget employs … Continue reading →

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Thank you, AMP

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

The next time you send in your check to Alameda Municipal Power, be sure to enclose a thank-you note on behalf of the City of Alameda.

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The firefighters’ BFF

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

What city official has done the most for the financial interests of Alameda firefighters during his or her tenure in office? If you said Marie Gilmore, or Lena Tam, or Rob Bonta – or even Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft or Stewart … Continue reading →

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Leap into the unknown

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

The staff report recommending City Council approval Tuesday of a contract amendment that will allow 15-20 Alameda firefighters to boost their pensions by buying “service credits” acknowledges that the amendment will increase the City’s future pension costs.  According to the … Continue reading →

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Bad news for the bottom line

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Robert Sullwold

Things just got worse – much worse – for the City of Alameda’s bottom line. Previously, City staff had projected that the General Fund will begin to incur deficits – i.e., revenues won’t be enough to cover expenses — in … Continue reading →

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