By Tom Simplot

Phoenix City Councilman, District 4

    I’ve been around politics for a good 30 years. During that time, I’ve seen three recessions come and go. But the current economic crisis gripping the nation is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I’m not alone in that assessment. Falling tax revenues have created a deficit of approximately $270 million for the city of Phoenix. The budget shortfall and scope of cuts necessary are unprecedented and will require sacrifice, innovation and resilience on behalf of elected officials, city staff and residents alike.

 

The budget cuts will impact residents across the city. Virtually no program or service will be immune from cuts due to the enormity of the crisis, with no room for the luxury of many city services of the past. To call what’s coming “back to basics” would be an understatement. As civic leaders, we must go beyond mere belt-tightening; this is not a matter of government “living within its means” but rather a wholesale assessment of what is absolutely critical for our citizens. We are not “trimming the fat,” but rather weighing the essential services of municipal government and making hard choices about what we can and cannot afford to do.

    We turn to government for that which we cannot provide ourselves. But in these times of fiscal crisis, we also must turn to each other. This must be an era when volunteerism, creativity and teamwork drive the solutions that government spending cannot.

    Now, more than at any time in recent memory, we must pull together as a community. In his inaugural address, our new president called on us all to shoulder responsibility for “the price and promise of citizenship.” I would echo that call to my fellow Phoenicians. Services and programs like Graffiti Busters, Block Watch grants, Human Services, Development Services and Neighborhood Services are being impacted drastically. If you aren’t active in your neighborhood association, now is the time to join and contribute. If there isn’t a Block Watch in your area, now is the time to work with your fellow neighbors to organize one.

    Even during this crisis, the city can help. We have many resources available to neighborhood groups, churches or community groups. Things as simple as paint sprayers, weed eaters, rakes, gloves, wheelbarrows or shovels can make the difference in neighborhood renewal—and the city can provide them. Call the city’s free tool lending program at 602-534-1489 to get started; the city will even deliver the supplies. Or for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities with the city, visit phoenix.gov/volunteer.

    Throughout this city’s history, we have been blessed with energetic and interested residents willing to give their time and effort to solve tremendous problems and challenges. Maintaining strong and safe neighborhoods and communities has been, and can continue to be, achieved through community leadership and shared sacrifice. I have immense faith and admiration in our residents. I know we will rise to meet this enormous challenge and come away a stronger and more united city.

Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of North Central Phoenix. If you have questions, comments or suggestions on this or any other issue, contact his office at council.district.4@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7447.