Radio Workshop

Bloomie Balances Budget (Transcript)

by Ethan Lindsey

NARRATION:

The current deficit amounts to more than 15 percent of the city's total budget for the entire year. So last week, the mayor unveiled an ambitious plan to find a extra $50 million in the cracks of the sidewalks. Specifically, Bloomberg wants to pass two measures that would limit the city's liability on accidents when people trip on broken or icy walkways. Bloomberg says his proposal could reduce the 500 million dollars in lawsuits the city pays out every year.

24 (:41)

NARRATION:

Even if successful, cutting the city's liability will only make a small dent in the overall deficit. The mayor threatens to battle the staggering total with several unpopular ideas. These include higher bridge tolls, a commuter tax, and cuts to some of the city's basic services.

17 (:58)

TAPE: BLOOMBERG:

You cannot talk about any one solution to the city's fiscal problems; you can't even talk about just the city as opposed to the state.

9 (1:07)

NARRATION:

In Washington, D.C. lawmakers also face massive deficits this year, and for years to come. Their solution? Go further into debt and pay it off later. New York City does not have that luxury.

13 (1:20)

TAPE: BLOOMBERG:

Make no mistake about it, this city, by law, must balance its budget.

6 (1:26)

NARRATION:

Bloomberg's ideas have not been universally embraced. The widespread nature of the cutbacks has angered many residents who will be directly affected by the plan. Slightly more than half of the city's residents now say they don't approve of the way the Mayor is doing his job - his lowest poll numbers since being elected. Political analysts say that the 53-percent disapproval score is just a byproduct of the budget squeeze Bloomberg is facing. Manhattan resident Amanda Moore voted for Bloomberg but her feelings have wavered in the last few months.

30 (1:56)

TAPE: MOORE:

It's hard to say with him. I don't really think that he's been terribly effective. I don't know that I agree with his priorities. I wouldn't vote for him again.

13 (2:09)

NARRATION:

Teacher Susan Forman is happy with Bloomberg's performance but has specific gripes with the gouging cuts the budget targets for public higher education.

9 (2:18)

TAPE: FORMAN:

I'd like him to show a little more support for education -- and the City University in particular.

6 (2:24)

NARRATION:

Bloomberg says being an elected official during a recession can be fatal. The city isn't officially in a recession, but the economic slowdown and 9/11 disaster costs look like they may be enough to cast doubts on the mayor's job security. City Council Speaker Gifford Miller and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum have expressed interest in challenging the mayor in 2005. Gotbaum declined to endorse Bloomberg for reelection when standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him at last week's press conference. But the two managed to smile when asked about their recent public face-off.

25 (2:49)

TAPE: BLOOMBERG/GOTBAUM:

The headlines are going to be Mike and Betsy make-up anyway, no matter what we say. [Oh really, is that right?]

6 (2:55)

[FADE OUT WHILE LAUGHING]

NARRATION:

Bloomberg's tort reform and city tax proposals now go to the City Council. For Columbia Radio News, I'm Ethan Lindsey.

7 (3:02)

-30-