More Government Waste In PhoenixPosted: 2014-10-26 Feds spend $680,000 for homes/Phoenix votes for $281,000 “Affordable Housing” apartment units
Stopping Government waste matters. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and others on the Mayor/Council recently voted to spend $32 million for “affordable housing” near Van Buren and 24th street. Cost to you to and your family: $281,000 per apartment unit.
Each of those apartment units are $80,000 more than the average cost of a single family home in Phoenix. Columnist Laurie Roberts accurately portrays the federal boondoggle. http://azc.cc/1rYG6Gm
Why Fiscal Accountability Matters
Phoenix is facing another budget crisis and is over 500 police officers short causing major stress protecting our families. If you spend $500,000 more on one home you have less money for critical services in other areas.
If you waste money you then serve less people. Not complicated. The Mayor and Council for some reason did not understand this simple concept. Phoenix, which was once considered the best managed in the country, finds itself in 3 short years tied with Glendale. Remember, we will be seeing the highest amount of revenue in the history of our great city and still facing a budget shortfall.
The political leadership from the Mayor and Council is to blame for this. They have voted for things without clear consideration or concern of other people’s money. Government should not take in more than it needs.
These things don’t only happen at the federal level. State Housing Director Mike Trailor also deserves much of the blame for this government waste. He gave final approval to the overpriced apartments, figuring he was on his way out so why not waste taxpayer money.
How do we fix this?
Phoenix must embark on a review of all strategic functions. This is something that Vice Mayor Jim Waring, Councilman Bill Gates, and I have been pushing. A review of function that determine what is and what is not a core function of government. For example, Does Phoenix need to have one of the largest auto repair shops in the state? Or, could that function be done better by the private sector freeing up critical dollars for police, fire and libraries. Those are questions Phoenix leadership must ask and rank from highest to lowest priorities. Second, Phoenix must move to a true zero based budget. When all expenses are evaluated on their own merit.
These two simple measures would put our great city back on fiscal accountability path making us the great city we once were.
My best to you and your family,
Sal DiCiccio
Phoenix City Council; District 6
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