Goldson: Library Hours
Trump Spokesman $$

Goldson is 100% correct here. The library cuts on Saturdays are unacceptable.

However rather than more layoffs, how about an across the board cut in salaries and benefits? I'm not sure why a Spokesman should receive a compensation package worth $150K when a typical entire family living in our city makes about 1/4 that amount.

Goldson delivers on a promise he once made to support New Haven's libraries. That's what I like about Goldson. The new library hours convenience those of us who are able to travel city-wide to find an open library building, to the detriment of those in the neighborhoods without the means or time to do so. It is another example of widening the divide, though probably an unconscious one.

Seriously?<blockquote>"More layoffs is one way to deal with a specific service reduction caused by lay-offs or short staffing, but the Alderman should know that new layoffs to offset former ones only lends to service reductions in new ways," wrote Sean Matteson in an email. "New Haven's goal to maintain or increase services to residents ought not to manifest itself through the act of eliminating jobs, but rather through reforms of existing budget busters such as the ballooning cost drivers of pensions, health care and worker's compensation."</blockquote>
I am not really sure how the elimination of a spokesman position really represents a 'service to residents' in the same way that a good librarian or library assistant does.

I do not like to see people losing their jobs. In this case I think Goldson is right. In an election year the Mayor's spokesperson will try to get the Mayor re-elected, so all the tax payers are giving DeStefano a hidden campaign contribution by paying Joseph's salary. Our taxes are much better spent on library staff where we benefit from our taxes. The same can be said for the new BOE Spokesperson. It would be much better to preserve a teacher's job.

Since when does the NHI not check facts? Can Mr. Goldson verify that the overall cost of Mr. Joseph's salary and benefits totals $150,000? In that case let's look at all employees salaries and benefits and balance the cost of healthcare and pensions. We will find that it is ridiculous. I bet this guy actually pays more for healthcare since he's not a member of the union.

also, last I heard they hadn't hired a legislative director which probably means that Joseph is doing two jobs saving the city the salary of the other spot. If firing one person is the best creative idea he can come up with then I'm actually disappointed. This is about balancing a budget and trying to find savings without firing people. Try again.

[Editor's Note: Thanks for the note. We do feel we have a responsibility to check facts. That's why the story reported that in fact Adam Joseph's salary is $72,000.]

Eliminating the spokesperson's job should have been done when Jessica Mayorga and her assistant resigned. It was an organic job elimination. Salary and benefits for both positions likely exceeded a quarter million dollars. Benefit packages for the city run at about 50%.

Sean Matteson is precisely wrong. Eliminating a spokesperson wouldn't affect citizens at all especially if he takes over the job. Library hours do. It's about priorities and setting them which then drive the budget. We do not need a spokesperson. The mayor wants one. Even better, would be to have the department heads speak for their own departments.

Matteson is also precisely wrong that the city should be about increasing services - no it should not. It should focus on core services and deliver those services in an excellent way - snow plowing to garbage collection to storm water run off to education, police and fire. If there is money left over, provide services that are wanted vs. what is critically needed.

Alderman Goldson likes to grandstand about transparency and information sharing. Who does he thinks provides all the briefings to public on EVERYTHING from public safety announcements to snow preparedness to senior safety issues? The purpose of the public information office is to centralize the point where critical information vital to citizens is disseminated. Eliminating this position could have dire consequences for New Haven residents. Seems like a twofer for Goldson--he can eliminate the position and set himself up to troll for press because he didn't know about something or the public wasn't informed about something.

This is typical Goldson. Real tough choices need to be made but instead of addressing those, he wants to draw attention away from the real gut busters (pensions and healthcare) to a divisive personalized argument pitting people against each other. We should expect to see him do this with a host of other areas in the budget. Now is the time to come together to make rational large scale changes to how the City budgets. It is not the time to pit people against each other to fight over crumbs.

Darnell,

I truly appreciate your outspoken leadership! Maintain your charge, and continue to do what is in the best interest of the citizens...if it stinks, call BS when necessary!

Some of our representatives have been so entrenched in the BS (or JDS) for so long that they actually believe their nose is broken rather than acknowledge the obvious.

Between NHI, Darnell, and Mike Piscitelli...damn it we can take our city back! Mike Piscitelli for MAYOR!

--"Why can't the chief of staff in the mayor's office be his spokesperson?" Goldson said--

I spent nearly four amazing years as spokesperson/Director of Communications in the Mayor's office. I worked night and day, 24/7 whether I was in the office or not. When I was in labor with my son, I worked (made for some interesting calls with reporters who called at the worst moments). Regardless of the situation, I worked. This wasn't because I was a crazy workaholic, it was because the job absolutely demanded it. I'm not complaining- I loved my job and the dynamic team I was a part of. Ask any reporter in New Haven, during my tenure, I was always working. In order to serve taxpayers and ensure that information was constantly and accurately available to taxpayers, this type of dedication in this position was necessary. Nothing has changed since I left. Adam works 24/7. Adam is available to the media and therefore to the readers, listeners and viewers of New Haven media at all times regardless of his personal commitments or interests- he is a valuable public servant. For Alderman Goldson to even suggest that this position be eliminated is ludicrous. I encourage him to spend one day in Adam's shoes so that he can understand the importance of this position. This job isn't just about answering the hundreds of media inquiries the office receives every week, this job requires constant and creative community outreach and information delivery to residents who deserve every opportunity to be informed about what occurs within City government. From community forums to management team meetings to newsletters for the elderly community- this job is essential to keep residents "in the know" about how their tax dollars are put to work.
Goldson's suggestion is an insult to taxpayers- his recommendation that this position be eliminated suggests that he doesn't believe residents deserve to be informed and engaged. If Goldson is advocating for a system where residents are in the dark and disconnected, he should be transparent about that. Eliminating the spokesperson/director of communications/PIO (whatever you want to call it) position is most certainly not the answer. Adam's salary does not begin to solve the tremendous burden caused by increasing pension and health care costs.

Jessica:

You are missing the point, which is that the library cuts on Saturdays are unacceptable.

Hello Jessica, I hope you and your family are enjoying your new job and new life in Baltimore.

You stated "This job isn't just about answering the hundreds of media inquiries the office receives every week, this job requires constant and creative community outreach and information delivery to residents who deserve every opportunity to be informed about what occurs within City government."

I understand that you worked really hard to spin for the admin during your tenure here, and I'm sure it was appreciated. The fact is that the information that the public gets is only half the story, and usually the administration's spin. You state that your and now Adam's job is to provide information. If that is the case, why are a group of aldermen routinely left out of the loop.

Quite frankly, your suggestion that I am "advocating for a system where residents are in the dark and disconnected" is a joke and an insult to the taxpayers of New Haven. If anyone works to keep folks in the dark, or provide half truths, it is the Communications Office.

...

Although I confess to ignorance re: the critical value of a spokesperson for a Mayor who is articulate and nimble, the forced limitation of hours at our libraries is shameful. If that is the only quid pro quo, it should be considered.

The library and its neighborhood satellites are essential resources to the broadest segments of our community.The programs and services affect every socio-economic demographic. The staff has enhanced programming by collaboration with other public and private organizations to enable tutoring, workforce readiness, support groups and more.
I do not know of another "city department" that has done more with less. To diminish the library is contrary to sound investment in human capital.

Joseph has a useful job. I think there are places to cut before cutting his position, but I think Goldson is on the right track. Cutting back a very important service for an under-served community is not the best way to balance the budget.

I was always amazed at the sheer number of hours I saw Mayorga devote to the job, and knowing Adam Joseph and being impressed with his dedication, I do not doubt that he puts in far more hours than he is compensated for.

There may be other ways to ensure library access on weekends, too: what about volunteers?

I have no doubt that Joseph works his tail off and that he's doing both his old job and his new job . . . . but what does Sean Matteson do every day, other than make incoherent statements to the press? Why do taxpayers foot the bill for the Mayor to have an in-house political advisor?

Take it one step further, in a town where the Chief Administrative Officer oversees police, fire, public works and, yes, the library, wtf does the Mayor do every day (other than manage all his staff and make crazy offensive statements to the press)?

I'm curious as to why Alderman Goldson has such a major problem with the Mayor's office Public Information Officer, but not the fact that the Library has its own Public Information Officer. Granted, that position is salaried at less, but isn't his point that these dedicated PIO positions aren't needed? If I understand this correctly, Alderman Goldson believes that one department-- the library-- deserves and needs its own dedicated PIO to disseminate information. On the flip side, the PIO that disseminates information on behalf of EVERY city department is completely unnecessary and can be rolled into someone else's job? I'm not at all trying to suggest that the Library PIO be eliminated, I just find it curious that Alderman Goldson has no problem with that, but is wholeheartedly against the city-wide PIO.

I question Alderman Goldson's intentions here, and his logic. If you're going to suggest the elimination of a position, then at least be honest enough to say why. When you publicly rally for the elimination of one position out of 1450 proposed general fund positions, it's pretty clear why. It's fine if you think the Mayor's office should take cuts, but let's not do a song and dance about the fact that it's not personal and you are only calling for this because it's an unnecessary position.

It would be helpful to the public if Alderman Goldson was honest with his calculations too. Then again, if there was no PIO, the media would have a more difficult time fact-checking and ensuring that the correct information is conveyed to the public... maybe not such a bad thing for Alderman Goldson.

What about the spokesman the Board of Education just hired? I believe he is making $80,000 a year. How about eliminating this position. I am sure one of the school administrators could handle the job and Mr. Joseph could help.

The thrust of Goldson's question is exactly the right one? Where are our priorities? What's most important to us as a community? Fact is, we are running out of money and can't do it all. We need a priority list and then see how far down the list our money gets us -- its not whether it is important or not, but if we have the money. Do not be fooled, spending on one thing, means not spending it on something else. Its a choice, public spokesperson or librarian, more cops or less teachers, more mayoral staffers and less something else. Without a list of priorities, we can all fight about how important this or that is. I suspect, each and every item in the budget is important to someone, or it wouldn't be there.

If you rate importance by where we spend our money, then its Education (about 65%), Police(15%) and Fire(15%). That's 80% of all spending.

What's important to you? What can you live without? We will have to live without some things, what would you choose to live without?

I'm a taxpayer and I'm not insulted. Fact is a lot of responsibilities were vacuumed up into that office during Mayorga's tenure that were not there previously or as aggressively. As for public information, I'm not sure that fully describes what comes out of that office. It's a lot of spin. It's more of a public relations operation - putting out newsletters and tweaking the budget documents to put the mayor's spending in the proper shading. It is not an office that practices full disclosure and transparency by any stretch of the imagination. If it was, we wouldn't wake up one day and be looking at a rain tax and find out the mayor and company spent nearly $600K setting it up.

That is not in any way to suggest that Ms. Mayorga didn't work hard and provide some value to taxpayers in general. I think she did but we are talking about spending priorities now - public relations or library hours?

Seems like Mr. Goldson has tipped his hand in his comment. It's not about Adam but maybe its about him not liking the job Jessica was doing?

Keep the personal stuff out of the budget. The fact is that the public information officer does offer public information. About snow emergencies. About the senior tax freeze. About changes in laws passed by the Board of Alderman. If Alderman Goldson is upset with how that process is occurring, the solution is to work with Adam to improve the office. Not eliminate the office under the cover of budget cutting.

@ Curious:

Nice attempt at deflecting the debate, but I don't think it will work here. Everyone knows that last year I recommended $10 million in cuts to the budget. I didn't focus on one position then, and I don't intend to do so now. As most folks currently guessed, the discussion I had with the reporter was about setting priorities. The example I gave was that I would eliminate the spokesperson position before I limited library hours. I could have off the top of my head named 5 other positions that I think would be lower on the priority pole than cutting the libraries.

There isn't anything personal here, except that I do not want to see my taxes to continue to rise past my ability to pay. Heck, I already pay over $6,000 in taxes to this city, which does not include state and federal taxes. It is getting outrageous.

I will this year, as I did last year, submit amendments to reduce the size and growth of our local government.

Did I satisfy your curiosity?

One more point. No one suggested that public information should be eliminated, I suggested that it be rolled into the responsibilities of someone else.

Alderman Goldson,

If you try and put the public information role onto someone with a full time job, the quality of service suffers. It's a bit too easy just to say you are not eliminating the work but eliminating the job. By the same logic, I don't think we need 30 alderman. Couldn't the alderman from Ward 28 represent your constituents just as well?

Darnell,
You seem to be more committed to the side of this argument dealing with who to lay off than you do to saving money to keep the library open. If that really is the priority for you, there are reasonable ways to go about that; the elimination of a position you won't like doesn't save the city enough money to reopen the libraries for 4 hours on Saturdays, so it seems like a pretty bad example. The city does have spending priorities, and in the recent wave of budget cuts, the library hours were clearly prioritized below other sources of the $150,000 they saved. Additionally, while I support the idea of keeping the libraries open on Saturdays to help the community, the $150,000 figure would only keep them open for 4 hours on Saturdays. If you really think the library is a major resource to the community and increasing its hours is an important goal, this is a bigger project than finding $150,000. A good way to start would be trying to determine how much money the city would need to raise/save in order to provide the services you are advocating for.

Instead, you used the example of the library as a jumping-off point to attack the administration because you don't like them. It doesn't seem like the city would save any money by employing the same number of people, while demoting one employee and changing the way work is allocated in the Mayor's office for no apparent reason other than a symbolic victory for you in getting them to do so. It seems like you are advocating in bad faith on this issue, and haven't even taken the time to think through good ways to keep the libraries open longer.

A conversation about priorities is an important thing to have, and advocating for services important to the community is the reason we have aldermen in the first place. Both of those are good things to spend time working on. By turning this into more of a political fight than it should be, you are wasting your own time and making this important conversation unnecessarily provocative, potentially alienating people who would otherwise agree with your point. Why?

@ Really Darnell?

um, yes? I don't think even Darnell could take issue with that said.

Don't get me wrong -- let's see if Paul will let me get away with what I'm about to say -- I don't think Darnell is, how do you say this, smart. Or a very good alderman. Or, for that matter, a particularly good person.

But he is correct that every budgeting choice is a statement of priorities. In my home, I've decided I like going out to eat better than I like pricey haircuts. I think my kids' music lessons are more important than romantic getaways with my very wonderful husband. And there are people in this city who think Saturday hours at the public library are more important than other things that weren't cut. Why is half of City Hall taking the day off to take issue with that in the comments section of the NHI?

Really Darnell:

You see to keep missing the point. The quality of the public information is limited for the most part, to administration spin. Objective information about the senior tax freeze or other blow-dried run of the mill information can be done by somebody else.

As for the library having its own PIO - I think that is a great place to cut as well. Library information can be posted on line and handled directly at the branches. Routine dispatches do not require a dedicated individual.

This is what I mean by mission creep and how we end up with so many employees. Somewhere along the line, administration and others decide to divide jobs up into ever smaller pieces; and then to increase "services" which leads to increases in employees. With over 5,000 employees - one for every 25 residents - it is mission creep extraordinaire.

Here's another example: The mayor's office didn't used to have receptionist. His administrative assistant handled the phones. Then the mayor decided he didn't want her doing that so he got a part time receptionist. Then a full time receptionist with benefits. Mission creep. The mayor's assistant can answer the phone or it can be answered automatically with caller driven routing.

When you allow mission creep you get employee creep. Budget Creep and now we are broke selling hard assets just to keep the lights on.

Kerekes is exactly right as is Darnell: There must be a list by department of the priorities. Things that must get done no matter what. We look at the revenue and pay for as many things on the list as possible. When the money runs out, we're through.

So, no, it's not about Adam Joseph. It's whether a spinning operation that sometimes serves the public good is on the priority list or whether the real public information component can be folded in to an existing "needed" position. The same is true for Sean Matteson's job as somebody else pointed out.

For everybody's information, a $72K employee does cost in real dollars a lot more than just the salary. The benefit ration adds another 50% to cost of each employee. Joseph's total cost is about $108K.

@ Really Darnell:

If the Alderman of the 28th Ward had to represent the citizens of my Ward, I'm sure that that person would do a terrific job. That's how most folks function in life, they step up to the challenge, city workers can do the same.

@Drosophila on the Wall:

I am as committed to reducing local government, thereby reducing the tax burden on New Haven citizens, as I am in saving the library, these two concepts are not mutually exclusive.

Clearly, from the comments I have read so far and the calls I have received, most folks believe that maintaining a viable and vibrant library system is more important than employing a spin doctor at City Hall. I, along with my fellow 29 aldermen, will have this discussion and debate in a public forum at City Hall. Please feel free to :

@ One Door Down:

Hey, thanks for the compliment!

Oops, that was a compliment, wasn't it?

Mmmm, (scratching my head), I can't figure it out, was that a compliment?

Will someone smarter than me PLEASE let me know if One Door Down was insulting me or complimenting me.

Thanks.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that when Myorga was the City spokesperson she took over the responsibility of the police department's spokesperson. The police position became vacant and it was never filled. The responsibility was transferred to her. So the City spokesperson position already encompasses two jobs. To suggest that Sean Mattison perform all 3 jobs is absurd.

And if we are going to extend the logic that Mattison should step down why don't we ask Obama to get rid of his chief of staff, William Daley or Malloy's Tim Bannon, as a budget saving measure. Let's be honest, every political executive, whether President, Governor, or Mayor has a chief of staff who bridges the operational and the political. It is an essential position that makes the polity run.

This article goes to the heart of New Haven's 2011 fiscal challenge. It raises serious questions about what are the essential services necessary to sustain the city's responsibilities to its residents based upon economic efficacy and the delivery of basic core services to the community at a time when the city's present and future financial survival is at stake.

I agree with other writers this is not about personalities but rather about measuring what personal functions deliver tangible services directly to its residents. State and city governments across the country are cutting important but non-service providers in the executive branches of their governments, examples include policy analysts,communication staff,etc.,in order to keep essential services flowing to the public.

The dire 2011-12 budget demands a process that is a fair, pragmatic, and thorough evaluation of all city positions to assess and justify the positions' continuation thru the expenditure of precious tax dollars.

I have total trust in my community's wisdom to understand and accept tough choices and sacrifice in order to save our city. I expect nothing less from the city's elected officials.

@Noteworthy,

Here is a list of sample emails I have gotten from the City PIO, in no particular order:

Snow emergency declared in New Haven
Police Make Arrest in April Hit and Run that Severely Injured a 14 year old girl
Residents Reminded to Make Appointments as City Experience High Demand for Rent Rebate Program
Section of Quinnipiac Avenue Schedule To Be Closed

You may think that it just takes 10 minutes to research these things and write up a coherent press release. I can assure you that it does not. If you want less information by overburdening City Hall staff, go ahead. Just try not to complain when you do not hear vital pieces of information about road closings, snow emergencies, police making the city safer or tax breaks.

Dear Ms. Mayorga-
As a New Haven taxpayer, I actually find it more insulting that you would be so presumptuous to state that the position of Director of Communication in the Mayor's Office adds value and provides needed services to my family. Let me assure you that it does not. I can attend or read the minutes of any Community meeting and Aldermanic hearings myself, I do not need a Mayoral staff member to do that for me. I can contact my Alderman, or speak to my neighbors, or read the Independent to stay informed on city matters. In fact, the last place I would go for objective information on all matters New Haven would be to the Mayor's Director of Communication. I believe the DOC does a large amount of spin-work and rolling out of agendas for the Mayor, but offers absolutely nothing to the average citizen. On the other hand, a city Librarian adds much more value to ALL citizens; it's actually laughable to compare the two.

Mr. Goldson's statements on this matter reflect those of the average struggling taxpayer in this city, and that is what is so admirable about him. Your statement on the other hand reflects that of a bureaucrat assuming they know what is best for the little folk and justifying their existence.

This is not a personal attack against any current or former Director(s), but I feel the Director position can be eliminated without public services being affected. I believe the Chief of Police and the Superintendent of Schools can and should be able to speak for all police and educational matters respectively. The CAO can speak to all other matters. We will all live just fine hearing a few less "No comment at this time" from City Hall, but we will feel true sacrifice when we are unable to go to New Haven's libraries where real, relevant communication and learning take place every day. It's all about priorities.

Mayorga also was doing the job of the school spokesperson.

The reality is, the press needs a contact who is available and focused on communicating.

Do away with the person who handles press for the school system, the police, and the Mayor's office, and you have a mess. Reporters would not be able to provide complete coverage of events without these people providing information and statements.

The paper of record in a city should be reporting on what is happening in the city, and perhaps we could do with a little less spin from city hall. The bigger argument that is at the center of this conversation is precisely what several others have said: it is about our priorities. Libraries are the "university of the poor", the place where, for generations, immigrants and the poor have found a way to improve their lives. It is all about making information available to everyone, about providing access (internet/computers) to information. The library is the great leveler of society. It supplements our school system, or substitutes for it in some instances.

I remember when the fountain was being built (not with city funds but donations)on the green. It cost about $500,000. At the very same time, library hours were being cut (ironic that the library faces the fountain). That spoke volumes to me about where the priorities in New Haven stood.

As far as I know the library branches were running only 4 days a week and each one took a turn on a Saturday to be open, while downtown was open every Saturday. Now they lost an extra day. Not only are they working on 3 days a week only. The branches are no longer open at all on Saturdays only the Main Branch. I don't get it. All the money that goes into education and with the New Haven Promise just starting and you want to cut one of the most important resources you need in order for your Achievement gap to close. Literacy is essential and the library provides resources for so many. It just makes you sad to think how undervalued something so worthwhile can be. These branches were already working with a small staff. Its very sad. I feel for the new City Librarian who has to deal with this mess.

New Haven City Hall isn't the White House. If the job of a spokesperson is to know what's going on in the city and to answer press questions, why can't the mayor get behind a podium for 20 minutes a day and answer those questions? He's supposed to know whats going on right?

How about that $22,000 raise you wrangled for your legislative services director last year, Darnell? How about we roll back that raise and put that towards a part time librarian? Or, how about the $2,000 stipends for the Board of Aldermen? Or the money for blackberries and laptops? While we're at it, let's take a look at the 10 positions in Legislative Services. Do we really need one aide for every three aldermen??? A legislative assistant earning $74,000? Why do we need a legislative document processor AND a document transcriber AND an administrator records coordinator? How many people does it really take to process your paperwork, Darnell?

Lets not be silly. Adam Joseph's position is not doing anything toward the quality of life for anyone in New Haven. In general I do not believe in lay offs if they can be avoided. But lets face it, before you touch one person that provides a true service to residents you eliminate very bottom line employees that collect a salary serving at the mayor's pleasure which would be someone like Adam Joeseph. And someone like Sean Matteson who is Chief of Staff, well since when do we need you, another layer. The city functioned perfectly with a CAO only. Maybe the mayor should either keep you and get rid of Smuts or get rid of you and keep Smuts. The mayor is way too top heavy with people. And why does the mayor need Becky B. (and why give her a raise in the middle of this financial mess) and Elizabeth B. There are liaisons to the BOA in multi numbers, what for? This administration has grown so out of control it is sinful. Stop putting the rank and file, the heart of our services on the chopping block mayor and start with your enormous staff serving you. You are shameful.

Hi Jessica..We hope you are settled in and all is well.

I do not wish to denigrate the task you performed while in the position, but, frankly, it sounds that your willingness to perform was being taking advantage of.

For example you said:

"When I was in labor with my son, I worked (made for some interesting calls with reporters who called at the worst moments). Regardless of the situation, I worked. This wasn't because I was a crazy workaholic, it was because the job absolutely demanded it".

Clearly, this situation the Mayor should have stepped in and found a replacement for you.

Certainly replacements were available in that office, as shown in the mayors budget.

Chief of staff - $111,723
Exec admin asst to mayor - $69,082
Admin asst I - $37,194
Dep chief of staff policy director - $66,000
Communication Director - $77,102
Legislative asst to mayro - $68,500
Exec Admin asst to mayor - $69,082
Public finance coordinator - $111,723
Receptionist - $37,194
Legislative policy asst to mayor - $53,000
Mayor - $127,070
Grand total- $827,670
F/T pos 11

Noteworthy said it best:

"This is what I mean by mission creep and how we end up with so many employees. Somewhere along the line, administration and others decide to divide jobs up into ever smaller pieces; and then to increase "services" which leads to increases in employees. With over 5,000 employees - one for every 25 residents - it is mission creep extraordinaire".

Peace out, Jessica

There is a clear need for a public information officer. It is the responsibility of the city to keep the public informed. It is obvious that this is a personal attack on Joseph. Shame on Goldson.

I think it's pretty funny that Alderman Goldson was so far off the mark in his claim that $150k would be saved by eliminating this position. That gaffe underscores a fundamental problem with Goldson's view of how city government operates (or should operate). You're talking about a guy who pays absolutely no attention to detail, makes no effort to understand the full implications of whatever situation he finds himself in. He just sort of shoots from the hip and then verbally abuses anyone who points out that maybe he ought to show a little more restraint--consider, for example, his attacks on those who pointed out that it was probably a bad idea for him to enter private property on his own to snap pictures of cars, or those who pointed out that he might want to take a more cooperative approach to the "Great Wall of Hamden," or his efforts to censure Alderwoman Castro after she criticized his hilariously poorly thought out decision to endorse Linda McMahon in the Senate race.

Now, I'm not bringing that up just to point out that Alderman Goldson has made some questionable choices during his tenure on the Board--though I think that's a worthwhile point in and of itself. I think that it's important because it underscores the importance of information and a full and competent understanding of the facts and issues to good government. The fact of the matter is that every day, the City of New Haven conducts important business, ranging from zoning enforcement to drug busts to education reform. And people rightfully have a lot of questions about that business, and they ask them either directly or through media outlets such as this one. The thing is, New Haven's operations are quite complex, so the answers aren't always cut and dry and easy to find. Another commenter pointed out that the library system has a PIO for this precise reason; imagine how much more complex the issues become when you're looking at the interplay of all the city agencies, plus state and national actors.

The fact is that access to this information is fundamental to the functioning of democracy. And getting that information to the public in a digestible and easy to understand way is incredibly difficult, especially considering the diverse range of issues and questions that a PIO gets every day. Of course, it might make it easier for Goldson to run around peddling bad information (or proposing plans that fly in the face of reality) if there weren't someone else around to set the record straight, but I think most of us are more interested in good government than we are in making it easier for individual alders to peddle bad ideas.

Goldson makes it sound as though the PIO is some sort of miniature minister of propaganda. I'd like to see some evidence of that. Does Goldson have any evidence of Joseph or Mayorga or Lemar or any other person who has held this office willfully providing bad information? Or evidence of people using this office to indulge in another of Goldson's favorite pastimes: the verbal abuse of political opponents?

The fact is, Goldson's critique of this office is largely based on innuendo and accusations that ring hollow upon closer examination. If he's serious about cutting unnecessary expenses, why doesn't he lead by example and offer to give back part of his aldermanic stipend? Or at least his city-funded cell phone? And why doesn't he call on his colleagues to do the same?

At the end of the day, this isn't about Goldson making a serious proposal to trim the budget, it's about Goldson doing everything he can to be a thorn in the side of the administration. This, my friends, is the New Haven equivalent of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell's baseless rants about President Obama's "czars."

I think we all agree that something needs to be done about the library hours. But I have a tough time believing that the only place Goldson could find a place to cut the budget is a very important position in the administration.

I hope everyone sees through the false dichotomy that Goldson has set up here--it's not "PIO or Libraries," it should be, "let's work together to find a way to keep the library open." It's shameful that Goldson is exploiting a budget crisis to attack a political rival.

Goldson's suggestion is an insult to taxpayers
^^ I've been a (very high paying) city tax payer for many years and I'm not insulted at all. This is a small, financially broke city and the number of high paying administrative jobs should be minimal. I don't think any position should be off the table for potential layoffs.

I'm not sure why the last city spokesperson dedicated her life to the position? Applause for the work ethic, but in the end, you're feeding news to groups like the Register. Lives were not changed. Perspective is always a valuable asset.

Getting back to the library. I will be at the Library's fundraiser this Tuesday, will you put your money where your mouth is and be there too?

http://www.newhavenlibrarypatrons.com/wysiwg/index.php

Whenever I write a check to "Tax Office, City of New Haven" I put my money where my mouth is.

It is interesting to check our Fitch's rating announcement on New Haven bonds.

There is background on the city's finances with emphasis on city's labor costs. Buried in it is New Haven's litigation costs as well, which are out of whack with its litigation reserves. Thought this was interesting in light of certain police insisting on arresting camera toting pedestrians, essentially saying 'bring on the lawsuits.'

Cuts in jobs by seniority saves pension, benefit and worker's comp money. Cuts in jobs by competence and character saves pension, benefit, workers comp money, plus lawsuit money and probably other monies it is difficult to quantify.

Here is the Fitch link:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110303006063/en/Fitch-Rates-Haven-CTs-28.5MM-Bonds-Outlook

The New Haven "Promise" should include access to the Public Library for the students on the days and times that they are available for research. We cannot even "hop to the top" with the obstacles placed in our way.

This is not about Darnell or the Mayor's staff. It is a plea for future generations and investment in human capital.

Mitchell Library is open only 3 days a week!
This situation is unconscionable. The children of our city (and adults too) deserve a full-service library. This should be a budget priority.