Arnold and Gavin: Using the Deficit to Scare UsPaul Hogarthbyline‚ May. 11‚ 2009Everyone knows we’re in tough times with huge deficits – but there are few things more offensive than politicians using that to scare us. With the May 19th propositions sinking in the polls, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has threatened to lay off 1,700 firefighters during peak fire season if the measures fail. He’s even suggested that the state will have to “borrow” money from financially strapped cities and counties – which could burn another $80-100 million hole in the San Francisco budget. Mayor Gavin Newsom is also pushing scare tactics to get his way. With the Board of Supervisors poised to reject a profoundly unfair Muni budget, the Mayor’s Office has warned that this means the General Fund would have to absorb $30 million in costs – beyond its already monstrous deficit. Never mind that such a scenario could only happen if the MTA doesn’t work with Supervisors to craft a more equitable budget – as Board President David Chiu works to cut a deal. |